Boar’s Head Permanently Discontinuing Liverwurst Over Listeria Outbreak

Boar’s Head, a renowned American meat producer, faces a crisis as it closes its Jarratt, Virginia plant indefinitely and discontinues liverwurst production following a deadly listeria outbreak.

At a Glance

Boar’s Head has decided to close its Jarratt, Virginia plant indefinitely due to a deadly listeria outbreak.
Nine deaths and 57 hospitalizations were reported across 18 states.
The company has also announced its decision to permanently discontinue liverwurst production.
The recall was expanded to include 7 million pounds of meat products
Boar’s Head will appoint a new chief food safety officer and establish a safety council.

Deadly Outbreak Forces Plant Closure

Boar’s Head, a household name in deli meats, has made the decision to indefinitely close its Jarratt, Virginia plant following a listeria outbreak that has claimed nine lives and hospitalized 57 people across 18 states. The plant, non-operational since late July 2024, was the epicenter of a contamination that has shaken consumer trust and led to one of the largest meat recalls in recent history.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a Notice of Suspension to the facility on July 31, citing noncompliance and inspection records. This action came after the discovery of 69 instances of noncompliance over the past year, including alarming findings of mold, insects, and unsanitary conditions.

Boar’s Head is closing its Jarratt, VA, production plant indefinitely and permanently discontinuing production of liverwurst amidst an outbreak of Listeria infections that has sickened dozens and killed nine. https://t.co/haUuGwF5RS

— Food Safety News (@foodsafetynews) September 14, 2024

Massive Recall and Product Discontinuation

The contamination led to a recall affecting over 71 meat products produced between May 10 and July 29, including various hams, franks, bacon, and liverwurst paté. As the severity of the situation became clear, Boar’s Head expanded the recall to encompass a staggering 7 million pounds of meat, effectively recalling every item produced at the Jarratt facility.

“We regret and deeply apologize for the recent Listeria monocytogenes contamination in our liverwurst product,” the company said in a statement.

In a significant move, Boar’s Head has decided to permanently discontinue its liverwurst production. The company stated that their investigation identified the root cause of the contamination as a specific production process unique to the Jarratt facility and used only for liverwurst.

Impact on Employees and Consumer Trust

The closure of the Jarratt plant will impact hundreds of employees, a fact not lost on the company. Boar’s Head has announced plans to offer severance packages and relocation options to affected workers. This decision underscores the gravity of the situation and the company’s commitment to addressing the crisis responsibly.

“We do not take lightly our responsibility as one of the area’s largest employers,” the company stated. “But, under these circumstances, we feel that a plant closure is the most prudent course.”

Consumer trust in the Boar’s Head brand has been significantly affected. The company now faces multiple lawsuits from affected families and victims, further complicating its path to recovery.

Moving Forward: Enhancing Food Safety

In response to this crisis, Boar’s Head is taking steps to rebuild trust and improve safety standards. The company is appointing a new chief food safety officer and establishing a safety council with independent experts. These measures aim to develop an industry-leading food safety and quality assurance program.

“This is a dark moment in our company’s history, but we intend to use this as an opportunity to enhance food safety programs not just for our company, but for the entire industry,” the company said.

As Boar’s Head navigates this challenging period, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of food safety in the meat processing industry. The company’s response and future actions will be closely watched by consumers, regulators, and the industry at large.