Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Boar’s Head is closing the Virginia plant tied to a deadly listeria outbreak. The Sarasota, Florida-based company said it will also permanently discontinue production of liverwurst, the product linked to the deaths of at least nine people in the U.S.
The Boar's Head recall involving liverwurst and other deli meats is linked to a severe listeria outbreak that has had significant consequences.
Boar's Head recalled over 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat deli meats produced at its Jarratt, Virginia facility. The recall includes 71 different items under the Boar's Head and Old Country labels, including liverwurst, ham, salami, bologna, and other products.
The contamination was identified when health officials in Maryland found listeria in a sample of Boar's Head liverwurst. Subsequent tests confirmed that the bacteria matched the strain responsible for the ongoing illnesses.
The outbreak has resulted in at least nine fatalities and has affected 57 individuals who have been hospitalized across 18 states. The deaths were reported in Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, New Mexico, and Tennessee.
The Jarratt, Virginia facility has faced numerous food safety violations, including the presence of mold, insects, dripping liquids from ceilings, and residues of meat and fat on surfaces and equipment. Inspectors documented 69 instances of noncompliance with federal standards over the last year.
In response to the outbreak, Boar's Head announced the closure of its Jarratt, Virginia facility and the permanent halt of liverwurst production. The company also plans to appoint a new chief food safety officer and form a safety council with independent experts.
Consumers are advised to discard any recalled products and thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated meats. Cooking deli meats to a temperature of approximately 165 degrees Fahrenheit can effectively eliminate the bacteria.
Listeria infections pose particular risks to vulnerable populations, including individuals over 65, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms can manifest rapidly or take up to 10 weeks to appear after consuming tainted food.
This incident highlights the critical importance of food safety and the severe consequences that can arise from lapses in safety protocols.
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