Introduction to the Outbreak
The Boar’s Head deli meat plant at the heart of last year’s deadly food poisoning outbreak is set to reopen in the coming months, company officials said. But recent inspections at Boar’s Head sites in three states documented sanitation problems similar to those that led to the listeria contamination that killed 10 people and sickened dozens.
Background of the Incident
The Jarratt, Virginia, plant was shut down in September when U.S. Agriculture Department officials suspended operations and withdrew the federal marks of inspection required to operate, saying the company “failed to maintain sanitary conditions.” Boar’s Head permanently stopped making liverwurst and recalled more than 7 million pounds of deli products. USDA officials this week said they had “thoroughly reviewed” the plant and lifted the forced suspension on July 18.
Current Status of the Plant
“The facility is in full compliance of the guidelines and protocols set for the safe handling and production of food and the serious issues that led to suspension have been fully rectified,” officials with the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said in an email Wednesday. However, Boar’s Head will "indefinitely close" the Jarratt, Virginia, meat plant tied to the listeria outbreak that killed at least nine people.
Sanitation Problems
Documents obtained by The Associated Press through a freedom of information request show that Boar’s Head plants in Arkansas, Indiana, and elsewhere in Virginia were flagged for the same kinds of sanitation problems that led to the outbreak, with the most recent report in June. In the past seven months, government inspectors reported problems that include instances of meat and fat residue left on equipment and walls, drains blocked with meat products, beaded condensation on ceilings and floors, overflowing trash cans, and staff who didn’t wear protective hairnets and plastic aprons — or wash their hands.
Expert Opinions
“If there is evidence that food safety problems are continuing, the government needs to make sure the company fixes them,” said Sandra Eskin, a former USDA official who now heads STOP Foodborne Illness, a consumer group focused on food safety. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins last month announced plans to bolster efforts that combat foodborne germs, including listeria.
Jobs and New Appointments
Officials at Boar’s Head, the 120-year-old company based in Sarasota, Florida, have posted job openings for two dozen positions, including a food safety quality analyst, at the Jarratt site. The company convened a panel of expert advisers last fall and hired a chief food safety officer in May. The advisers include Frank Yiannas, a former U.S. Food and Drug Administration official, and Mindy Brashears, President Donald Trump’s nominee for USDA’s undersecretary for food safety.
Company Response
Boar’s Head last year said they “regret and deeply apologize" for the contamination and that “comprehensive measures are being implemented to prevent such an incident from ever happening again.” But company officials refused to discuss the problems found this year. They canceled a scheduled AP interview with Natalie Dyenson, the new food safety officer. And they declined to allow Yiannas to detail the investigation he led into the contamination’s cause.
Inspection Findings
The 35 pages of new inspection findings cover Boar’s Head sites in Forrest City, Arkansas; New Castle, Indiana; and Petersburg, Virginia. They surprised outside food safety advocates, who said that factory conditions should have improved in the year since the outbreak was first identified. “You would have expected after all they went through that they would put themselves in a place where you could essentially eat deli meat off the factory floor,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy for Consumer Reports, an advocacy group.
Reaction from Authorities
Rep. Rosa DeLauro called the findings “appalling.” “This is a pattern of negligence — cutting corners to protect the company’s bottom line at the expense of consumers and these conditions show a complete disregard for food safety and for the public health of the American people,” the Connecticut Democrat said in a statement.
Conclusion
The reopening of the Boar’s Head deli meat plant in Virginia has raised concerns about the company’s ability to maintain sanitary conditions and prevent another listeria outbreak. Despite the company’s assurances that it has addressed the issues, recent inspections have found similar sanitation problems at other Boar’s Head sites. Consumers, especially those who are vulnerable to serious illness from listeria infections, should be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions.
FAQs
Q: What happened at the Boar’s Head deli meat plant in Virginia?
A: The plant was shut down due to a listeria outbreak that killed 10 people and sickened dozens. The company has since recalled over 7 million pounds of deli products and has taken steps to address the sanitation issues.
Q: What were the sanitation problems found at the Boar’s Head plants?
A: Inspectors found instances of meat and fat residue left on equipment and walls, drains blocked with meat products, beaded condensation on ceilings and floors, overflowing trash cans, and staff who didn’t wear protective hairnets and plastic aprons — or wash their hands.
Q: Has the company taken any steps to address the issues?
A: Yes, the company has hired a chief food safety officer, convened a panel of expert advisers, and posted job openings for positions related to food safety.
Q: What should consumers do to protect themselves from listeria infections?
A: Consumers, especially those who are vulnerable to serious illness from listeria infections, should be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions, such as handling and storing deli meats safely and cooking them to the recommended temperature.
Q: Will the Boar’s Head plant in Virginia reopen?
A: Yes, the company plans to reopen the plant in the coming months, but it will "indefinitely close" the Jarratt, Virginia, meat plant tied to the listeria outbreak that killed at least nine people.
