USDA Finds Insects, ‘Unidentified Slime’ at Boar’s Head Plants
Government Inspectors Document Unsanitary Conditions
Government inspectors documented unsanitary conditions at several Boar’s Head deli meat plants, not just the factory that was shut down last year after a deadly outbreak of listeria poisoning, federal records show.
Newly Released Reports
Newly released reports from Boar’s Head plants in New Castle, Indiana; Forrest City, Arkansas; and Petersburg, Virginia, described multiple instances of meat and fat residue left on equipment and walls, dripping condensation falling on food, mold, insects and other problems dating back roughly six years. Last May, one inspector documented “general filth” in a room at the Indiana plant.
Problems Found
The problems documented at the three factories echo some of the violations found at the Jarratt, Virginia, plant linked to the food poisoning outbreak. The newly released reports describe:
- Equipment “covered in meat scraps” in 2019.
- “Dry crusted meat from the previous day’s production” and “dark, stinky residue” left behind in 2020.
- A doorway covered in “dried meat juices and grime” in 2021.
- Green mold and flaking paint in 2022.
- “Unidentified slime” and “an abundance of insects” in 2023.
- A puddle of “blood, debris and trash” in 2024.
Boar’s Head Response
Boar’s Head officials said in an email Monday that the violations documented in the three factories “do not meet our high standards.” The company’s remaining plants continue to operate under normal USDA oversight, they added. The Sarasota, Florida-based company has marketed itself for decades as a premier provider of deli meats and cheeses, advertising “excellence that stands apart in every bite.”
Concerns Raised
The conditions revealed at the other Boar’s Head plants are “really concerning,” said Thomas Gremillion, director of food policy at the Consumer Federation of America, a nonprofit advocacy group.
Lawsuits and Investigations
Boar’s Head faces multiple lawsuits connected to the outbreak. The USDA inspector general is reviewing the agency’s handling of the situation. The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether criminal charges are warranted.
Conclusion
The discovery of unsanitary conditions at Boar’s Head plants raises serious concerns about the company’s commitment to food safety. The company’s response to the situation is inadequate, and it is imperative that they take immediate action to address these issues.
FAQs
Q: What are the unsanitary conditions found at Boar’s Head plants?
A: The conditions include meat and fat residue left on equipment and walls, dripping condensation falling on food, mold, insects, and other problems.
Q: How many plants were found to have unsanitary conditions?
A: Three Boar’s Head plants in New Castle, Indiana; Forrest City, Arkansas; and Petersburg, Virginia, were found to have unsanitary conditions.
Q: What is the response of Boar’s Head officials to the situation?
A: Boar’s Head officials say that the violations documented in the three factories “do not meet our high standards” and that the company’s remaining plants continue to operate under normal USDA oversight.
Q: What is the impact of the unsanitary conditions on consumers?
A: The discovery of unsanitary conditions at Boar’s Head plants raises concerns about the safety of the company’s products and may lead to a loss of consumer trust.
Q: What is being done to address the situation?
A: The USDA is taking steps to address the situation, including hiring a “food safety culture manager” and implementing new measures to control listeria in plants that make ready-to-eat foods.
