An investigation by inspectors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revealed multiple dozens of violations at a Boar’s Head plant in Virginia.
It is thought that conditions at the plant were connected to a deadly Listeria outbreak of products shipping from the facility.
Where it Started
Last month, cheese and deli meat producer Boar’s Head issued a recall of many deli products that were shipped out of its plant in Jarrat, Virginia.
According to a Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announcement, Boar’s Head was recalling around 71 products created between May 10 and July 29, representing over 7 million pounds of meat.
Listeria Outbreak
Results from whole genome sequencing of Boar’s Head meat by the CDC revealed a positive test for an outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
According to the CDC, the listeria outbreak related to deli meats has hospitalized 57 people, affected 18 states, and caused 9 deaths.
Serious Concerns
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were taking the outbreak of the bacteria very seriously, calling it “the largest listeriosis outbreak since the 2011 outbreak linked to cantaloupe.”
“Products sold at the deli, especially those sliced or prepared at the deli, can be contaminated with Listeria. Listeria spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food. Refrigeration does not kill Listeria, but reheating to a high enough temperature before eating will kill any germs that may be on these meats,” said the CDC.
Growing Bacteria
CDC urged customers to throw away recalled meats and clean surfaces that the recall meats may have touched.
“Check your refrigerator for any recalled deli meats and throw them away or return them to the store. Listeria can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator,” the CDC said.
New Reports
Since the initiation of the recall and the start of investigations into the outbreak, the USDA has now released a report of the facility that revealed 69 records of “noncompliances” over the past year.
CBS News filed a FOIA request to obtain the noncompliance report records of the Virginia plant.
Troubling Conditions
The released report reveals startling details like a “heavy discolored meat build up” found on and inside machinery at the plant. There were also reports of bugs, mold, and mildew present in the facility.
“Small flying gnat like insects were observed crawling on the walls and flying around the room. The rooms walls had heavy meat buildup,” a June report said.
Taking Steps
According to reports, the USDA is now working with the state of Virginia to “ensure the establishment has an effective system in place to produce safe food for the public.”
A spokesperson for the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said the agency did not have workers on-site to oversee daily operations and instead relied on Virginia staff.
Closing the Plant
The FSIS relayed in a statement that the Boar’s Head plant would remain shuttered until conditions improve.
“FSIS has suspended inspection at the Boar’s Head establishment in Jarratt, Virginia, which means that it remains closed until the establishment is able to demonstrate it can produce safe product,” said a spokesperson.
Boar’s Head Statement
In the wake of the controversy, Boar’s Head released a statement expressing regret and emphasizing that food safety is their “absolute priority.”
“As a USDA-inspected food producer, the agency has inspectors in our Jarratt, Virginia plant every day and if at any time inspectors identify something that needs to be addressed, our team does so immediately, as was the case with each and every issue raised by USDA in this report,” company spokesperson Elizabeth Ward said.
High Standards
Ward emphasized that the plant would not be opened until it can meet “the highest quality and safety standards” which would include disinfecting the plant and retraining employees.
“During this time, we have partnered with the industry’s leading global food safety experts to conduct a rigorous investigation to get to the bottom of the events leading to this recall,” said Ward.
What’s Next?
It’s unclear what penalties, if any, Boar’s Head will face for the outbreak tied to the facility.
According to reports published by the USDA, repeat violations by the company have resulted in no enforcement actions over the past year.
