Boar's Head Shuts Down Virginia Plant After Deadly Listeria Outbreak

Boar's Head, a major producer of deli meats, has announced the indefinite closure of its Jarratt, Virginia plant following a deadly Listeria outbreak linked to its products.

The outbreak began in May 2024 and has resulted in at least nine deaths and 57 hospitalizations across 18 states.

Violations Leads to Closure

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection reports obtained by CBS News, the Jarratt facility had a history of sanitation violations.

Inspectors documented issues such as leftover meat on equipment, mold and mildew buildup, insects in and around deli meats, and even blood on the plant floor.

"The recent outbreak makes it clear that serious lapses in food safety protocols occurred at the Jarratt plant," said Dr. Sarah Thompson, a public health expert at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Listeria is a dangerous bacterium that can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly and pregnant women."

The outbreak has sparked lawsuits against Boar's Head. Families who lost loved ones and people who got sick are seeking compensation for medical bills, pain, and suffering.

"My father loved Boar's Head liverwurst," said a tearful Jennifer Miller, whose 82-year-old father died from complications of Listeria after consuming contaminated products. "He trusted the brand, and it cost him his life. We deserve answers."

Boar's Head Responds

In a statement released on Friday, Boar's Head acknowledged the severity of the situation and expressed condolences to the affected families.

"We understand the gravity of this situation and the profound impact it has had on affected families," the statement read. "Comprehensive measures are being implemented to prevent such an incident from ever happening again."

The company has also announced the permanent discontinuation of liverwurst production at all its facilities. They claim their investigation linked the outbreak to the liverwurst manufacturing process at the Jarratt plant.

While the closure of the Virginia plant is a step towards addressing the problem, people are still concerned. The full extent of the contamination is still unknown, and it's unclear whether other Boar's Head products were involved in the outbreak.

Public health officials advise consumers to stay informed and check the USDA recall list for potentially contaminated products. They also emphasize the importance of proper food handling to minimize the risk of Listeria infection.

An Impacted Community

The Jarratt plant closure is not just a business decision. It has a significant impact on the local community.

The plant employed hundreds of workers, and its closure will leave many families facing financial hardship. Local officials are working to connect affected workers with job training and resources.