A listeria outbreak linked to a Boar's Head facility in Virginia in 2024, resulting in 10 deaths and dozens of hospitalizations, was found to be caused by inadequate sanitation practices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service investigation revealed 'meat and fat residue' on equipment, prompting a recall of liverwurst products and the closure of the Virginia plant. Boar's Head is implementing enhanced food safety measures to prevent future outbreaks.
A listeria outbreak linked to a Boar's Head facility in Virginia, which resulted in 10 deaths and numerous hospitalizations across multiple U.S. states in 2024, was attributed to poor sanitation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service released a report on January 10 detailing the findings. The agency investigated the outbreak connected to a deli meat supplier's facility in Jarratt, Virginia.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in November 2024 that approximately 61 people were affected by the outbreak, with cases reported in 19 states.Boar's Head recalled its ready-to-eat liverwurst products associated with the outbreak in July 2024. NPR reported that Boar's Head closed its Jarratt plant in September 2024 and announced the discontinuation of all liverwurst production. This recall subsequently expanded to encompass additional Boar's Head products, including sliced hams and sausages, all manufactured at the Virginia plant.Inspectors discovered 'meat and fat residue from the previous day's production on the equipment, including packaging equipment.' In an email provided to NPR, a company spokesperson stated, 'We continue to actively cooperate with the USDA and government regulatory agencies on matters related to last year's recall, and we thank them for their oversight.'The Boar's Head spokesperson told NPR that the organization is working to implement enhanced food safety programs, 'including stronger food safety control procedures and more rigorous testing at our meat and poultry production facilities.'Listeria is a type of bacteria that can contaminate food and cause illness, thriving in cool and damp environments. Listeria infection, known as listeriosis, can be severe. The bacteria are persistent and grow in cool temperatures. When food comes into contact with listeria-contaminated surfaces, the bacteria can multiply rapidly, even after thorough cleaning and sanitizing. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service, listeria can contaminate lunch meats like hot dogs, cold cuts, and dry sausages. It can also be found in unpasteurized (raw) milk, soft cheeses, smoked seafood, and salads.Listeriosis poses a particular risk to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, their unborn babies, newborns, and older adults. Pregnant women experiencing listeriosis symptoms may encounter fever, flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches.Non-pregnant individuals might experience symptoms like fever, flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches and fatigue, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures, according to the CDC
LISTERIA RECALL SANITATION FOOD SAFETY OUTBREAK
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