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.
Unsanitary Conditions at Boar’s Head Plants
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.
Problems at the Plants
- 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.
USDA Inspection Reports
The U.S. Agriculture Department released the inspection records in response to Freedom of Information Act requests from The Associated Press and other news organizations.
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.
Consumer Reaction
“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.
Legal Action
Boar’s Head faces multiple lawsuits connected to the outbreak.
Conclusion
The conditions 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 a culture of noncompliance with critical safety and sanitary protocols.
FAQs
What are the unsanitary conditions reported at Boar’s Head plants?
The conditions include meat and fat residue left on equipment and walls, dripping condensation falling on food, mold, insects and other problems dating back roughly six years.
What is the response from Boar’s Head officials?
Boar’s Head officials said in an email Monday that the violations documented in the three factories “do not meet our high standards.”
What is the reaction from consumers and advocacy groups?
“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.
What legal action is being taken?
Boar’s Head faces multiple lawsuits connected to the outbreak.
What measures is the USDA taking to prevent future outbreaks?
The USDA has promised new measures to control listeria in plants that make ready-to-eat foods, including broader testing, updated training and tools, increased inspections, more food safety reviews and stronger oversight of state inspectors who act on behalf of the agency.
What should I do if I have eaten possibly contaminated food?
You should seek medical care and tell the doctor about eating possibly contaminated food if you have a fever and other symptoms of possible listeriosis.
