Boar’s Head Scrutinized by Law Enforcement Amid Deadly Listeria Outbreak
Investigation Underway
The U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA) has disclosed that Boar’s Head, the deli meat company at the center of a deadly listeria food poisoning outbreak, is being scrutinized by law enforcement officials. The company’s plant in Jarratt, Virginia, has been shut down, and the company has permanently stopped making liverwurst.
Documents Withheld
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has refused to share documents regarding the agency’s inspections and enforcement at the Boar’s Head plant, as well as inspection reports from eight other company factories across the U.S. The records were withheld because they were compiled "for a law enforcement purpose, which includes both civil and criminal statutes," according to a letter sent by FSIS. Releasing the records could "interfere with" and "hinder" the government’s investigation.
Listeria Outbreak
The listeria outbreak, which has killed at least 10 people and sickened at least 50 in 19 states since May, was linked to samples of Boar’s Head liverwurst. The company had previously recalled more than 7 million pounds of deli meat distributed to stores across the country.
Problems at the Plant
Previously released records revealed problems at the plant, including mold, insects, dripping water, and meat and fat residue on walls, floors, and equipment dating back at least two years.
Lawsuits and Investigations
Boar’s Head is facing several lawsuits filed by victims and their families. The company has also been scrutinized by lawmakers, with Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Rosa DeLauro calling on the Agriculture and Justice departments to "work closely" to determine whether to bring criminal charges against Boar’s Head in connection with the crisis.
Conclusion
The investigation into the listeria outbreak and the circumstances surrounding it is ongoing. As the government continues to review the evidence, it is clear that Boar’s Head’s actions (or lack thereof) may have contributed to the outbreak, resulting in the loss of life and suffering of many individuals.
FAQs
Q: How many people have been killed in the listeria outbreak?
A: At least 10 people have been killed in the listeria outbreak.
Q: How many people have been sickened in the listeria outbreak?
A: At least 50 people have been sickened in the listeria outbreak.
Q: Why did the USDA withhold documents related to the investigation?
A: The documents were withheld because they were compiled "for a law enforcement purpose, which includes both civil and criminal statutes," according to a letter sent by FSIS.
Q: What is the status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, with USDA’s internal investigators reviewing the agency’s work and expected to decide by the end of the year whether to open an inquiry.
Q: What penalties have been imposed on companies in similar food poisoning outbreaks?
A: In 2020, Chipotle agreed to pay a record $25 million to resolve criminal charges over tainted food that sickened more than 1,100 people. In 2015, former Peanut Corporation of America executive Stewart Parnell was sentenced to 28 years in prison after an outbreak of salmonella in his company’s peanut butter killed nine people and sickened more than 700.
