### Boar’s Head Deli-Meat Facility Ceases Operations Due to Lethal Listeria Outbreak
A deli-meat facility of Boar’s Head in Jarratt, Virginia, has been permanently shut down in the wake of a lethal *Listeria monocytogenes* outbreak that has resulted in nine fatalities and affected 57 individuals across 18 states. The outbreak, traced back to the liverwurst production line at the plant, has prompted the recall of over 7 million pounds of Boar’s Head meat items. The company has since declared that it will stop liverwurst production and is implementing significant changes to enhance its food safety measures.
#### The Outbreak and Plant Shutdown
Maryland health investigators were the first to identify the outbreak, linking the *Listeria* strain to Boar’s Head liverwurst. This discovery initiated a nationwide recall of deli meats and led to the indefinite shutdown of the Jarratt facility in late July 2024. On September 13, Boar’s Head confirmed that the contamination stemmed from a specific production process exclusive to the liverwurst line at the Jarratt plant, resulting in the company’s decision to permanently halt liverwurst production.
While this announcement clarifies the outbreak’s origin, it also reveals more serious issues within the plant. Inspection reports uncovered numerous sanitation deficiencies, such as mold, water leaks, and unsanitary conditions that facilitated the spread of the deadly bacteria.
#### Sanitation Deficiencies
From August 2023 to August 2024, the Jarratt plant was cited for 69 violations, including serious sanitation failures that posed a considerable risk to public health. Inspection reports indicated the presence of mold, algal growth, and “meat buildup” on machinery. Inspectors also observed flies, gnats, and other insects, along with unpleasant odors and blood pooling on the floors.
A 2022 inspection had already flagged concerns, labeling the plant as an “imminent threat” to public health. During that inspection, numerous issues were identified, including extensive rust, deli meats exposed to wet ceilings, green mold, and wall holes. Despite these serious findings, the plant continued operations until the outbreak necessitated its closure.
#### Cross-Contamination and Ineffective Controls
A recent document from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) provides insights into the contamination’s spread within the facility. During an inspection on July 24 and 25, 2024, *Listeria* was detected on a pallet jack in a room designated for processing ready-to-eat meats. Although this room was deemed “low risk” for *Listeria* by Boar’s Head, the USDA concluded the company’s *Listeria* control measures were “ineffective.”
The contaminated pallet jack was employed to transport racks of Beechwood Hams between blast coolers and production lines. However, inspectors found that pallet jacks and racks were not confined to specific production lines, allowing cross-contamination among different meat types. Employees moved between production areas without changing their personal protective equipment (PPE), heightening the contamination risk.
Inspectors noted workers engaged in tasks like trash removal, floor cleaning, and maintenance without following proper hygiene protocols. These lapses contributed to *Listeria* spreading throughout the facility, impacting multiple products beyond just liverwurst.
#### The Human Impact
As of the most recent reports, 57 individuals have been hospitalized due to the outbreak, and nine have succumbed. The CDC has interviewed 44 affected persons, with 25 indicating they consumed deli-sliced liverwurst. However, others consumed different deli meats, implying that the contamination may have affected various products within the facility.
#### Boar’s Head’s Reaction and Future Initiatives
In response to the outbreak, Boar’s Head is dedicated to overhauling its safety and quality assurance programs across all its facilities. The company is recruiting seasoned food safety professionals and establishing new protocols to avert future outbreaks. In a statement, Boar’s Head affirmed its commitment to restoring consumer confidence, stating:
> “You have our promise that we will work tirelessly to regain your trust and ensure that all Boar’s Head products consistently meet the high standards that you deserve and expect. We are determined to learn from this experience and emerge stronger.”
While the company has initiated steps to manage the ongoing crisis, the long-term effect on its reputation remains uncertain. The closure of the Jarratt facility and the cessation of liverwurst production signify a notable transformation for Boar’s Head, a brand recognized for its high-quality deli meats.
#### What is Listeria?
*Listeria monocytogenes* is a bacterium that can
