Boar's Head is set to shut down its Virginia facility associated with the lethal listeria contamination incident.
The action is part of numerous alterations implemented following what they termed as a "low point in our company's journey." Boar's Head announced that they will cease permanently selling liverwurst due to an investigation revealing that its manufacturing process was to blame for the listeria contamination. They also plan to appoint a new food safety officer and a food safety council consisting of independent industry experts.
"We reaffirm our dedication to our customers and the safety and quality of our goods," the company stated in a letter to consumers. "We are resolved to learn from this incident and grow more robust."
Reports from the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspection Service at Boar's Head's facility in Jarratt, Virginia, since 2022 have documented insects, mold, "pools of blood on the floor," and a "putrid odor in the cooler." A 2022 report mentioned "severe shortcomings" with the plant's physical state — rusty equipment, peeling and flaking paint, loose caulk, holes in the walls, product residue on surfaces, and dripping condensation — all posing an "immediate danger." The reports indicated that management was informed and instructed to make necessary corrections.
However, a USDA Notice of Suspension for the Virginia facility, disclosed by Boar's Head, mentions "insufficient safety measures" that allowed equipment and personnel to move freely throughout the facility, potentially spreading bacteria.
Register for CNN Health's weekly newsletter
- Click here to subscribe to The Results Are In with Dr. Sanjay Gupta every Tuesday from the CNN Health team.
"Given the gravity of the outbreak and its originating at Jarratt, we have made the challenging decision to permanently close this site, which has been nonoperational since late July 2024," the company stated in the letter. "It distresses us to impact the livelihoods of numerous dedicated employees. We recognize our responsibility as one of the region's most significant employers, but under these circumstances, a plant closure appears to be the most sensible choice."
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 57 individuals have been hospitalized in 18 states due to the listeria outbreak, with nine fatalities. The agency describes it as the largest listeria outbreak since one connected to cantaloupe in 2011.
The actual number of illnesses is likely higher than reported since some individuals may have experienced milder symptoms and not tested for listeria, the CDC indicated. The agency continues to recommend that consumers inspect their homes for recalled products, which bear "EST. 12612" or "P-12612" inside the USDA mark of inspection on labels and have sell-by dates up until October 2024.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
"The company is committed to prioritizing the health and safety of its consumers, having acknowledged the listeria contamination issue as a significant setback."
"To ensure the highest standards of food safety, Boar's Head is investing in a new food safety officer and a council of independent experts."
