A Boar’s Head processing plant in Virginia, now at the center of a nationwide recall, was found riddled with alarming violations, including mold, mildew, and insect infestations, according to newly released records from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The facility, located in Jarratt, has been linked to a listeria outbreak that has resulted in 57 hospitalizations and nine deaths across 18 states.
The outbreak prompted Boar’s Head to recall all deli meats produced at the Jarratt plant last month.
Health officials traced the listeria contamination back to the facility after samples from unopened products were found to contain Listeria monocytogenes.
Genetic sequencing confirmed that the strain from the products matched the one responsible for the outbreak.
“This is the largest listeriosis outbreak since the 2011 outbreak linked to cantaloupe,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated.
As consumers are urged to check their fridges for recalled products, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) disclosed that over the past year, inspectors flagged 69 instances of “noncompliances” at the Jarratt plant.
These issues ranged from paperwork lapses to more serious concerns, such as mold growing near handwashing sinks, steel vats, and holding coolers.
Inspectors also reported seeing insects crawling on walls and flying around areas where deli meats were processed.
One particularly disturbing incident occurred in July when federal inspectors found mold and mildew near handwashing stations used by workers handling ready-to-eat meats.
In other instances, puddles with green algal growth, dripping condensation over exposed products, and “ample amounts of blood in puddles on the floor” were documented, contributing to the plant’s suspension of operations.
Despite these glaring issues, the USDA had no record of enforcement actions against Boar’s Head over the past year.
The company has since halted operations at the Jarratt plant and is working with global food safety experts to address the contamination.
In a statement, Boar’s Head expressed deep regret over the impact of the recall, reiterating that food safety remains their “absolute priority.”
Elizabeth Ward, a spokesperson for Boar’s Head, emphasized that the company is taking corrective actions in line with FSIS regulations.
The plant will remain closed until it can demonstrate compliance with the highest quality and safety standards.
The business impact of this recall could be severe, as Boar’s Head grapples with restoring consumer trust while navigating potential legal and financial repercussions.
As the USDA works with Virginia state officials to ensure safe food production, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of maintaining rigorous hygiene standards in the food industry.
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