Jarratt, Virginia – A recent nationwide recall of deli meats from Boar’s Head has been linked to multiple violations at the company’s plant in Virginia. Reports released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors revealed numerous issues, including the presence of mold, mildew, and insects throughout the facility.
The recall was initiated after a listeria outbreak was connected to products distributed from the Virginia plant. The outbreak has led to 57 hospitalizations in over a dozen states, with at least eight reported deaths, including new fatalities in Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and South Carolina in recent days.
Inspectors found unopened products from the plant to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes in multiple states. Genetic sequencing confirmed a link between the bacteria in the products and the strain responsible for the outbreak, marking this as the largest listeriosis outbreak since 2011.
Individuals are advised to check their refrigerators for the recalled meats and to thoroughly clean any surfaces that may have come in contact with them. The South Carolina health department emphasized that consumers who were unaware of the recall may have consumed the affected products, potentially leading to an extended illness period.
Records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request showed that the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service identified 69 instances of noncompliance at the Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt over the past year. Despite these repeated violations, it remains unclear if the company will face any penalties from the USDA.
A spokesperson from Boar’s Head expressed regret over the impact of the recall, emphasizing that food safety is their utmost priority. The company has suspended all operations at the Virginia plant, focusing on disinfection and retraining of employees to ensure that all products meet the highest safety standards before being released.
Issues like mold, mildew, and insects were identified in various areas within the plant, with inspectors flagging concerns over leaking water, equipment cleanliness, and potential contamination risks. Boar’s Head is collaborating with food safety experts to investigate the events leading to the recall and address all underlying issues to prevent future occurrences.
The company’s commitment to addressing these violations and improving safety measures is crucial in restoring consumer trust and ensuring the quality of their products. As investigations continue and corrective actions are taken, the focus remains on upholding stringent safety standards and preventing similar incidents in the future.