Health inspectors have discovered several disturbing violations at the Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia linked to a deadly nationwide listeria outbreak that led to over 57 hospitalizations and nine deaths across the United States. The deli meats produced at this factory were recalled last month after officials identified the plant as the source of the contamination.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that New York has seen the most cases with 17 residents falling sick due to the contaminated deli meats, while two people died in South Carolina and one death each occurred in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, and New Mexico.
Following the identification of this plant as the source of the outbreak, more than 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products were recalled by Boar’s Head. The infections have spread across 18 states in total. In response to the recall, a Boar’s Head spokesperson expressed regret for the impact on affected families, stating that no words can fully express their sympathies or deep hurt they feel for those who have suffered losses or endured illness due to this incident.
The company encouraged customers and businesses to check if they have any of the recalled products in their fridges or stores, and to thoroughly clean any surfaces touched by these meats.
In addition to the bacterial contamination found at the Jarratt plant, USDA records obtained by CBS News revealed that over the past year, this facility received 69 records of “noncompliance” issued by inspectors. The Food Safety and Inspection Service released records showing troubling conditions within the plant.
During a February 21 visit, an inspector noted “a rancid smell” in the raw receiving cooler with “ample amounts of blood in puddles on the floor.” Another holding cooler was observed to have a “black mold-like substance” present on January 9 and again on June 1. This mold was also seen throughout other areas of the facility during six separate visits.
On June 10, an inspector spotted approximately 15-20 flies going in and out of four vats of pickle left in a room. Small flying gnat-like insects” were also observed crawling on the walls and flying around the room. The inspector noted that the room’s walls had heavy meat buildup, pink/orange discoloration, and denaturant over spray on them.
As a result of these findings, all operations at the Jarratt plant have been suspended since the July recall. Boar’s Head is now working with food safety experts to determine the source of the outbreak and the conditions that led to it. The company’s spokesperson emphasized their commitment to maintaining food safety as their absolute priority, stating that they cooperate fully with inspectors on any issues raised during inspections.
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding this situation.
