Repeat creepy meat problems at Boar’s Head plants draw congressional scrutiny

Lawmakers in Congress are expressing doubts about the readiness of the Boar's Head deli meat plant, previously linked to a deadly Listeria outbreak, to resume operations. Recent inspections of three additional Boar's Head facilities revealed serious sanitation issues, including the presence of mold, condensation on ceilings, overflowing trash, and unclean equipment and walls. Alarmingly, some employees were also observed neglecting proper handwashing protocols. In a letter dated September 15, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and nine other congressional representatives raised concerns regarding Boar's Head's plans to reopen its Jarratt, Virginia plant. This facility was identified as the source of a Listeria outbreak that occurred between May and September last year, resulting in 61 reported illnesses across 19 states, with 10 fatalities. Following the outbreak, Boar's Head recalled over 7 million pounds of meat products. Investigations revealed that USDA inspectors had documented numerous sanitation violations at the Jarratt plant, including mold, dripping condensation on meats, insect infestations, and blood pooling on the floor. In response to these findings, the company pledged to cease production of liverwurst and committed to improving cleanliness at the facility, which was closed in September 2022 due to the outbreak. However, further inspections at other Boar's Head plants in Arkansas, Indiana, and Virginia uncovered similar sanitation deficiencies, some of which were noted just this past June. These developments have intensified scrutiny from lawmakers as the company prepares for a potential reopening.