USDA inspectors found big problems at a Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia. These issues led to a recall of deli meats and a deadly listeria outbreak. The plant had mold, mildew, and insects everywhere.
This outbreak made 57 people very sick in 18 states and caused 9 deaths. Tests showed the listeria in Boar’s Head products was the same strain causing the outbreak.
Over the last year, the USDA found 69 problems at the Jarratt plant. These included mold, mildew, leaks, and insects. Boar’s Head stopped making products at this plant. They are cleaning and retraining staff, but won’t make products until everything is safe.
Key Takeaways
- USDA inspectors found numerous violations, including mold, mildew, and insects, at the Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia.
- The listeria outbreak linked to the Boar’s Head plant has resulted in 57 hospitalizations and at least 9 deaths across 18 states.
- Boar’s Head has suspended operations at the Jarratt plant and is working to disinfect and retrain employees to ensure the highest safety standards are met.
- The USDA records show 69 instances of “noncompliance” at the Jarratt plant over the past year, indicating ongoing issues with food safety.
- Listeria infections are especially dangerous for older individuals, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Violations at Boar’s Head Plant Linked to Listeria Outbreak
The recent listeria outbreak has raised serious concerns about food safety at the Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia. USDA inspections found many violations, like mold, mildew, and insects.
Inspectors found 69 instances of “noncompliance” at the plant over the past year. They saw black mold and mildew near sinks and in coolers. Also, they found flies, ants, beetles, and cockroaches in the deli meat.
Other problems included leaks, water pooling, and a bad smell of blood on the floor. This shows how important it is to keep production facilities clean and safe.
The listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head has caused eight deaths and 57 hospitalizations in 17 states. This highlights the need for strict food safety and hygiene in production.
Boar’s Head has stopped operations at the plant to fix these issues. They won’t release products until the plant meets safety standards.
Inspectors Uncover Mold, Mildew, and Insects
The USDA’s findings at the Boar’s Head plant show serious cleanliness and maintenance problems. These unsanitary conditions could have led to the deadly listeria outbreak.
- Presence of black mold and mildew around sinks, vats, and coolers
- Flies, ants, beetles, and cockroaches in and around the deli meat
- Leaks, water pooling, and blood on the floor with a bad smell
These violations show the need for better food safety and maintenance at the Boar’s Head facility. Consumers should trust the quality and cleanliness of their products. The company must fix these issues quickly to regain trust.
Deadly Listeriosis Outbreak Linked to Contaminated Deli Meats
A listeria outbreak at a Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia, has led to a huge recall of over 7.2 million pounds of deli meats. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 57 hospitalizations and at least 9 deaths in 18 states.
Tests confirmed the listeria in recalled Boar’s Head products matches the strain causing the outbreak. People are advised to check their fridges for the recalled meats and clean any surfaces they touch.
This is the biggest listeriosis outbreak since 2011, linked to cantaloupes. Key facts about the outbreak include:
- At least 43 people sickened across 13 states
- 3 deaths confirmed so far
- An estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis each year in the U.S., with about 260 deaths annually
- Almost 1 in 6 non-pregnant people with invasive listeriosis die
The outbreak has hit states like Georgia, Illinois, and Indiana. Symptoms of listeriosis can take up to 2 weeks to show, and pregnant women are at higher risk. They may feel fever, muscle aches, and tiredness.
This outbreak highlights the need for food safety and strict quality checks in food processing. Consumers should check for recalls and take steps to prevent the spread of this dangerous pathogen.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Confirmed deaths | 3 |
| People sickened | 43 |
| States affected | 13 |
| Annual listeriosis cases in the U.S. | 1,600 |
| Annual listeriosis deaths in U.S. | 260 |
| Non-pregnant fatality rate | About 1 in 6 |
Conclusion
The Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia, has faced a deadly listeria outbreak. Inspectors found mold, mildew, and insects there. This shows how crucial it is to keep food safe.
Boar’s Head has stopped making products to fix these issues. Consumers need to check for recalled items and clean surfaces touched by them. The USDA has found repeated problems at the plant, showing the need for better quality control.
This event is a call to action for the food industry. Food makers must put safety and health first. Consumers should choose products from trusted brands. Together, we can stop such incidents and keep our food safe.
FAQ
What issues were found at the Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia?
The USDA inspectors found many problems at the Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia. They saw mold, mildew, and insects. There was black mold and mildew near sinks, on steel vats, and in coolers.
They also found flies, ants, beetles, and cockroaches in the deli meats. Other issues included leaks, pooling water, and blood on the floor with a bad smell.
What was the impact of the listeria outbreak linked to the Boar’s Head plant?
The listeria outbreak led to a huge recall of over 7.2 million pounds of deli meats. The CDC reported 57 hospitalizations and at least 9 deaths in 18 states. Genetic tests confirmed the bacteria in recalled products matched the outbreak strain.
What actions has Boar’s Head taken in response to the issues at the Jarratt plant?
Boar’s Head has stopped production at the Jarratt plant. They are cleaning and retraining employees. No products will be released until the plant meets safety standards.
The company is addressing the USDA inspectors’ findings to ensure their deli meats are safe.