A listeria outbreak traced back to a Boar's Head facility in Virginia has claimed 10 lives and hospitalized dozens across the U.S. The USDA investigation revealed that inadequate sanitation practices were responsible for the outbreak. Boar's Head has recalled various products and closed its implicated plant.
A listeria outbreak linked to a Boar's Head facility in Virginia resulted in 10 fatalities and dozens of hospitalizations across multiple U.S. states in 2024. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service released a report on January 10 detailing the outbreak's cause, attributing it to poor sanitation practices at the deli meat supplier's Jarratt, Virginia facility.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in November 2024 that approximately 61 individuals had been affected by the outbreak, with cases identified in 19 states. Boar's Head initiated a recall of its ready-to-eat liverwurst products in July 2024, connected to the outbreak. NPR reported that Boar's Head subsequently closed its Jarratt plant in September 2024 and announced the discontinuation of all liverwurst production. The recall expanded to encompass additional Boar's Head products, including sliced hams and sausages, all manufactured at the Virginia plant. Inspectors found '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 further informed NPR that the organization is dedicated to implementing 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. It thrives in cool, damp environments. Listeria contamination can lead to an infection known as listeriosis. The bacteria are persistent and multiply in cool temperatures. When food comes into contact with listeria-contaminated surfaces, the bacteria can proliferate rapidly, even with thorough cleaning and sanitization. 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 significant risk to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborns, and older adults. Pregnant women experiencing listeriosis symptoms may develop fever and flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches. Individuals who are not pregnant may experience symptoms such as fever, flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches and fatigue, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizure, according to the CDC
LISTERIA FOOD SAFETY RECALL BOAR's HEAD OUTBREAK VIRGINIA
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