According to inspections’ reports, the U.S. Department of Agriculture found multiple infractions at a meat-production plant in Virginia over the last year.
Inspectors cited Boar’s Head Provisions Inc. as noncompliant in 69 instances between Aug. 1, 2023 through Aug. 2, 2024. This comes as the billion-dollar company has been tied to a listeria outbreak that has killed nine people nationwide and led to the recall of more than 70 products, equaling over 7 million pounds of processed meat (see full list here).
First reported by CBS News — which filed a Freedom of Information Act request to receive the reports — the plant was marred by “built-up meat product” on equipment, walls, in grooves of racks, and other areas. Rust was located on a condenser unit, pipes and a trash compactor.
Condensation was found leaking onto the floor in some areas and in others on packages of meats. The liquid was clear in a few instances, while in others it was dripping from brown-tinted ceiling tiles. A puddle of “green algal growth” was found in a separate report.
Inspectors noted insects were flying and ants crawling around raw product, the pickle vat, and a vinegar barrel, also with dead bugs located on the floor. In one situation it implicated 980 pounds of Tavern Ham.
Black patches of mold were discovered on ceilings and another condenser unit. Rancid scents were detected in a cooler and pools of blood found on the floor.
A representative from Boar’s Head released in a statement that every incident was addressed after the inspector’s verbal and written citation; it’s unclear if fines will be imposed on the company. Operations at the plant have ceased for now in Jarrett, Virginia, as the investigation into the listeria outbreak continues.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been following the multiple illnesses since July 19 and announced Wednesday six more deaths have been linked to listeriosis. Two were in South Carolina, with other victims from Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and New York.
A total of 57 people have also been hospitalized in 18 states, including one person who reported being sick in North Carolina.
According to NC Newsline, a Wake County representative put forth a bill Friday to improve food safety measures as news of the outbreak continues to evolve.
The Boar’s Head plant was inspected by Virginia officials in partnership with the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service. Rep. Deborah Ross (D) wants to allow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to share what’s considered proprietary information with state and local regulatory agencies — the former of which conducts the majority of inspections on food-processing plants.
The goal is to allow information about potential contamination to be shared among state entities to help thwart spread more quickly. In a press release, Ross cited an instance when lead-contaminated applesauce was found in North Carolina a few years ago, which led to a national recall due to strengthened communications between the feds and states.
The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak is the largest in just over a decade. In 2011, a contaminated cantaloupe led to 146 people falling ill and 30 dying, including a miscarriage.
A food borne bacterial infection, listeria poisoning can be dangerous or life-threatening to older adults, people with weak immune systems and pregnant women. It’s treated with antibiotics and can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Anyone with an affected Boar’s Head product is encouraged to toss it or return to the point of purchase for a refund. Affected surfaces, such as in the refrigerator, should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent contamination to other products.