According to federal records, government inspectors found unsanitary conditions at multiple Boar’s Head deli meat plants, not just the one that was closed down last year following a listeria poisoning outbreak. Reports released from plants in Indiana, Arkansas, and Virginia revealed issues such as meat and fat residue on equipment, condensation dripping onto food, mold, insects, and other problems spanning approximately six years. Violations included filthy rooms, equipment covered in scraps, crusted meat residue, mold, insects, and more.
The U.S. Agriculture Department disclosed these inspection findings in response to requests under the Freedom of Information Act. The identified problems at these plants resonated with the violations discovered at the Jarratt, Virginia, plant linked to the listeria outbreak. Boar’s Head officials mentioned that the infractions at the three factories did not align with their standards and that their remaining plants were under normal USDA oversight.
While records from a plant in Michigan did not show similar issues, Boar’s Head ceased liverwurst production and closed its Jarratt, Virginia, plant after the listeria outbreak last September. Health officials traced the contamination back to the liverwurst, prompting a nationwide recall of over 7 million pounds of deli meat and poultry, with about 2.6 million pounds eventually recovered. The conditions observed at the other plants raised concerns, with a food policy expert highlighting the need for companies like Boar’s Head to regain consumer trust.
The outbreak has led to multiple lawsuits against Boar’s Head, including one from a man whose mother passed away after consuming the contaminated liverwurst. Lawmakers have criticized USDA officials for not taking stronger action against the company despite the repeated violations.
Problems have arisen within the USDA prompting the agency to undergo scrutiny by its inspector general. The U.S. Department of Justice has also initiated an investigation to determine whether criminal charges are warranted in light of recent developments.
Lawmakers have emphasized the importance of examining the new records released by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in collaboration with the Department of Justice (DOJ). The lawmakers highlighted the potential significance of these records, suggesting they may reveal a broader, systemic issue within the agency. They issued a statement expressing concern about a culture of noncompliance with critical safety and sanitary protocols, as indicated in the reports.
A recent report by USDA officials released on Friday identified “inadequate sanitation practices” as a contributing factor to the outbreak at hand. The report outlined key issues such as product residue, condensation, and structural problems within the facilities. State inspectors, working alongside the USDA, had previously documented instances of mold, insects, liquid seepage from ceilings, as well as meat and fat residue present on walls, floors, and equipment.
In response to these findings, USDA officials have pledged to implement new measures aimed at controlling listeria in plants manufacturing ready-to-eat foods. These measures include broader testing, updated training and tools for staff, increased inspections, enhanced food safety reviews, and stronger oversight of state inspectors acting on behalf of the agency.
Boar’s Head, a company implicated in the recent developments, has taken steps to address food safety concerns. The company is in the process of hiring a “food safety culture manager” in an effort to enhance its safety protocols. This decision comes following recommendations from Frank Yiannas, a former official at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, who is now providing guidance to the company.
For additional CNN news and newsletters, readers are encouraged to create an account at CNN.com.
