A Boar’s Head deli meat plant in Virginia connected to a fatal food poisoning outbreak was found to have multiple violations of federal regulations, including mold, insects, leaking liquid from ceilings, and meat and fat residue on walls, floors, and equipment, according to recently released records.
Government inspectors documented 69 instances of “noncompliance” with federal rules in the past year, with several violations occurring in recent weeks, as per documents obtained through federal Freedom of Information Act requests.
Inspections at the plant have been halted, and it will remain closed until it can prove it can produce safe products, stated U.S. Agriculture Department officials on Thursday. Production at the Jarratt, Virginia, plant was stopped by Boar’s Head officials in late July.
The plant has been associated with the deaths of at least nine individuals and the hospitalization of around 50 others in 18 states. All those affected consumed Boar’s Head Provisions Co. Inc. deli meats and fell ill with listeria. Following confirmation that listeria bacteria in Boar’s Head products were causing illnesses, the company recalled over 7 million pounds of products last month.
During inspections between Aug. 1, 2023, and Aug. 2, 2024, inspectors observed “heavy discolored meat buildup,” “meat overspray on walls,” and “large pieces of meat on the floor.” They also noted flies entering and exiting pickle vats, as well as “black patches of mold” on a ceiling. One inspector reported blood on the floor and a rancid smell in the cooler. Plant staff were repeatedly informed of their failure to meet requirements, according to the documents.
Garshon Morgenstein, whose 88-year-old father, Gunter, died from a listeria infection linked to Boar’s Head liverwurst, expressed outrage, stating, “I think it is disgusting and shameful. I’m just even more in shock that this was allowed to happen.”
Related Stories
The plant underwent inspections by Virginia officials in collaboration with the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service. Boar’s Head reportedly took corrective actions in line with FSIS regulations upon discovery of issues. Federal reports indicate no enforcement actions against Boar’s Head from January to March, the most recent records available.
While the documents did not contain test results confirming listeria in the factory, the bacteria are known to thrive in various areas of a food processing plant. Listeria can survive in biofilms, which are difficult to eliminate, and pests like flies can spread the bacteria throughout a facility.
Boar’s Head officials did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press, but a spokesperson informed CBS that the company regrets the impact of the recall and places a high priority on food safety. The company stated on its website that all issues raised by government inspectors were promptly addressed.
Barbara Kowalcyk, director of the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security at George Washington University, expressed concerns about the findings, questioning why further actions were not taken by the company and regulators.
Donald Schaffner, a food science and safety expert from Rutgers, highlighted the significance of reports of condensation in the plant, as it is a known risk factor for listeria. He also noted that recurring sanitation issues indicate a struggle to maintain cleanliness.
Lysteria infections result in approximately 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths annually in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Individuals over 65, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
Bill Marler, a lawyer from Seattle who has litigated against companies in food poisoning cases, described the conditions outlined in the inspection reports as the worst he has seen in 30 years.
Garshon Morgenstein shared that his father chose Boar’s Head products based on the company’s reputation.
“For the rest of my life, I have to remember my father’s death every time I see or hear the name Boar’s Head,” he said.
By Jonel Aleccia
Can you please rewrite this?
Source link
