Boar’s Head Faces Legal Scrutiny Over Listeria Outbreak
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is facing scrutiny for withholding documents related to their inspections and enforcement at the Boar’s Head deli meat plant in Jarratt, Virginia. The plant was at the center of a deadly listeria food poisoning outbreak, which has killed 10 people and sickened at least 50 in 19 states since May.
The Investigation So Far
Authorities initially detected listeria bacteria in samples of Boar’s Head liverwurst and later traced it back to illnesses in people. Previous records revealed problems, including mold, insects, dripping water, and meat and fat residue on walls, floors, and equipment, dating back at least two years.
The Recall and Closure of the Plant
Boar’s Head earlier recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meat and this month, the company said it has closed the Virginia plant permanently stopped making liverwurst.
Legal Action against Boar’s Head
Boar’s Head is facing multiple lawsuits filed by victims and their families. The Food Safety and Inspection Service refuses to share documents regarding inspections and enforcement at the Virginia plant, plus inspection reports from eight other company factories across the U.S., citing that releasing the documents could "interfere with" and "hinder" the government’s investigation.
Bribery of Justice System
Despite their stance, federal officials in the Justice Department declined to comment on potential legal action against Boar’s Head.
calls for Action
Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Rosa DeLauro recently called on the Agriculture and Justice departments to "work closely" to determine whether to bring criminal charges against Boar’s Head.
Agricultural Investigators Review the Agency’s Work
The USDA’s internal investigators are reviewing their work to determine by the end of the year whether to open an inquiry into the incident.
Past Food Poisoning Outbreaks with Criminal and Civil Penalties
This incident is not the only time food companies have been held accountable for food-related illnesses. Chipotle in 2020 agreed to pay a record $25 million to resolve criminal charges over tainted food that sickened over 1,100 people between 2015 and 2018. In 2015, former Peanut Corporation of America executive Stewart Parnell was sentenced to 28 years in prison for his role in an outbreak of salmonella in peanut butter that killed nine people and sickened over 700.
Affected People and Investigation Continues
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working to detect more cases of listeriosis and has identified nearly 50 sickened persons, with many more victims and their families seeking action.
What We Know So Far and Next Steps
- At least 10 people have died since May
- Over 50 people in 19 states have been sickened
- Multiple lawsuits against Boar’s Head for damages
- USDA documents related to inspection and enforcement at the plant withheld until further notice
Conclusion
The ongoing investigation of Boar’s Head raises questions about accountability and fairness. While Boar’s Head faces numerous lawsuits for their role in the food poisoning outbreak, the outcome remains uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Has the CDC confirmed the 10 deaths? Yes.
- How many people were sickened by the tainted food? Over 50 in 19 states.
- Are the lawsuits targeting individual executives or the company? Both individual executives and the company.
- Did Boar’s Head inform consumers about the recall or warning? It is still unclear if consumers were officially informed.
- What specific consequences have Boar’s Head faced so far? This article highlights a recall and closure of a plant with a permanent discontinuation of a product line.
