A devastating outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes traced to Boar’s Head deli meats has claimed a 10th life, bringing the total number of confirmed illnesses to 59 people across 19 states. All infected individuals required hospitalization, underscoring the severity of the outbreak.
The Listeria contamination was linked to Boar’s Head products, prompting a recall of over 7 million pounds of deli meats in July 2024. Testing confirmed that the same strain of Listeria responsible for the illnesses was found in the recalled products.
The Boar’s Head production facility in Jarratt, VA, where the implicated meats were processed, has been permanently closed. The company has also discontinued liverwurst production nationwide, as this particular product was tied to the root cause of contamination.
Reports have surfaced that the USDA had identified serious food safety violations at the Jarratt plant dating back to 2022. These issues included rust, green mold, deli meats exposed to wet ceilings, and holes in walls, creating an “imminent threat” to public health. Despite multiple warnings, the plant continued operating without corrective action.
Terrence Boyce, a food safety supervisor hired in 2023 amid federal safety audits, has come forward, revealing that his concerns about poor sanitation practices were repeatedly ignored. Boyce pointed out problems with inadequate cleaning processes and raised alarms about the temperature of water used to clean grease from animal fat. His concerns were largely dismissed, and he was later terminated.
On September 13, 2024, Boar’s Head issued an apology, acknowledging that their investigation had identified a production process unique to the Jarratt facility, used only for liverwurst, as the source of the contamination. In a statement of transparency, they shared the USDA Notice of Suspension issued on July 31, 2024.
Listeria monocytogenes is a dangerous bacterium that may not alter the appearance or smell of food but can cause life-threatening illnesses. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, fever, muscle aches, and neck stiffness. Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications or death.
Consumers who have eaten any recalled Boar’s Head products are urged to monitor for symptoms, as Listeria infections can take up to 70 days to manifest. If symptoms appear, seek medical attention and inform healthcare providers of possible exposure to Listeria.
The Boar’s Head outbreak highlights the importance of food safety oversight. As investigations continue, consumers should remain cautious and check for updates on the recall.