Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar’s Head Deli Meats Declared Over
A deadly outbreak of listeria food poisoning tied to a massive recall of popular Boar’s Head deli meats is over, federal health officials said Thursday.
Outbreak Details
Ten people died and 61 were sickened in 19 states after eating listeria-contaminated Boar’s Head products, including liverwurst. Illnesses were reported between late May and mid-September, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What is Listeria?
Listeria outbreaks are considered over 60 days after the last reported illness, according to the CDC. In addition, deli products linked to the outbreak are now past their shelf life.
Recall and Shutdown
After recalling more than 7 million pounds of Boar’s Head deli meats distributed nationwide, company officials shut down a production plant in Jarratt, Virginia, and permanently stopped making liverwurst.
Company’s Response
Boar’s Head faces continued scrutiny over dozens of reports of problems at the factory, including mold, insects, dripping water and contaminated walls, floors and equipment.
Investigation
The U.S. Agriculture Department is conducting an internal investigation into whether federal investigators and Virginia state inspectors responded to the reports of serious problems. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who requested the investigation, has received no update on the findings, his staff said.
Lawsuits and Documents
The company also faces dozens of lawsuits filed by people who were sickened or their families.
Officials with USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service have refused to share documents regarding the agency’s inspections and enforcement at the plant, plus inspection reports from eight other company factories across the country. The AP is appealing the public records request denial.
Conclusion
The deadly outbreak of listeria food poisoning linked to Boar’s Head deli meats has been declared over, but the company still faces scrutiny and lawsuits. The recall and shutdown of the production plant are a significant step towards ensuring the safety of consumers, but the investigation into the company’s practices and the handling of reports of problems will continue.
FAQs
Q: How many people died in the outbreak?
A: Ten people died.
Q: How many people were sickened in the outbreak?
A: 61 people were sickened.
Q: What products were recalled?
A: More than 7 million pounds of Boar’s Head deli meats were recalled.
Q: Why was the production plant shut down?
A: The production plant was shut down due to reports of serious problems, including mold, insects, dripping water and contaminated walls, floors and equipment.
Q: Is the outbreak over?
A: Yes, the outbreak is considered over 60 days after the last reported illness, and the deli products linked to the outbreak are now past their shelf life.
