Boar’s Head processing plants across the country are now part of an ongoing law enforcement investigation, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
This follows a deadly outbreak linked to some of the company’s recently recalled deli meats.
The outbreak has resulted in at least 59 hospitalizations and 10 deaths, all associated with a listeria strain traced back to Boar’s Head products distributed from a now-closed plant in Virginia. A spokesperson for the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) emphasized the agency’s commitment to public health and corporate accountability, noting that the investigation is still active.
The Virginia plant has faced multiple inspections that identified numerous violations, including mold and insect infestations. Reports from CBS News revealed that this facility had been flagged for noncompliance on several occasions. The FSIS’s recent letter confirmed the investigation’s scope but withheld specific records regarding other Boar’s Head facilities in Michigan, Arkansas, and Indiana, citing concerns that releasing such information could impede law enforcement efforts.
The investigation has garnered attention from lawmakers, with Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Rosa DeLauro urging the USDA and the Department of Justice to consider criminal charges against Boar’s Head. In their joint letter, they stressed the urgency of seeking justice for consumers affected by the outbreak.
It remains unclear whether the investigation is criminal or civil in nature, as FSIS representatives have stated they cannot disclose further details. A spokesperson for Boar’s Head declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
In addition to the investigation, the FSIS is conducting a comprehensive review to identify lessons learned from the outbreak. This includes examining state inspection models to address any gaps in oversight. The USDA had previously outsourced most of its regulatory duties at the Virginia plant to state inspectors, under an agreement established to facilitate federal oversight of rural facilities.
The outbreak has led Boar’s Head to close the Jarratt, Virginia plant indefinitely and halt production of liverwurst, which has been identified as the source of the listeria contamination affecting millions of pounds of the company’s products. Inspection records revealed significant sanitation issues at the facility, including heavy discoloration on meat and equipment.
Listeria infections can lead to severe food poisoning symptoms, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the actual number of infections may be higher than reported. Symptoms typically appear three to four weeks after exposure, making tracking difficult.
As authorities continue to investigate, Boar’s Head has expressed intentions to enhance its food safety protocols and establish new oversight measures within the company and the broader industry.
