USA Recalled Food Alert, A Boar’s Head deli meat plant in Jarratt, Virginia, has been linked to a nationwide listeria outbreak, prompting a major recall of recalled food and revealing numerous safety violations. According to newly released records from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), inspectors found mold, mildew, and insects repeatedly throughout the facility.
Understanding the Risks: What You Need to Know About the Boar’s Head Listeria Recalled Food
USA Recalled Food Alert, Last month, Boar’s Head recalled all deli meats produced at the plant after the listeria outbreak was traced back to products distributed from the site. The outbreak has now spread across 18 states, including listeria outbreak California, resulting in 57 hospitalizations and nine deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that this is the largest listeriosis outbreak since the 2011 cantaloupe-related incident. Genetic testing confirmed that the strain of Listeria monocytogenes found in unopened products from the Boar’s Head plant matches the strain causing the outbreak.
Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators for recalled food and clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with them. South Carolina’s health department warned that some people may have unknowingly consumed the contaminated products, potentially leading to a prolonged illness.
Through a Freedom of Information Act request, CBS News obtained USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) records that documented 69 noncompliance violations at the Jarratt plant over the past year. Despite the USDA’s oversight, the agency had relied on state staff for daily inspections at the site.
The FSIS has suspended operations at the Boar’s Head plant until the company can demonstrate it can produce safe food. The agency is working with Virginia officials to ensure the facility meets safety standards before it reopens.
While no penalties have been imposed on Boar’s Head for the violations, the company claims to have taken corrective actions in line with FSIS regulations. In a statement, Boar’s Head expressed deep regret over the recall and emphasized its commitment to food safety. The company is currently disinfecting the plant and retraining employees, with plans to resume operations only when safety standards are met.
USA Recalled Food Alert, Inspection records highlighted various issues, including mold around handwashing sinks, steel vats, and holding coolers. Inspectors also noted problems with leaking or pooling water, blood puddles, and a rancid smell in the plant. Additionally, insects were found in and around the deli meats. Inspectors flagged what appeared to be listeria concerns with one instance leading to the retention of 980 pounds of ham for further investigation.
Boar’s Head has partnered with global food safety experts to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the recall and is taking steps to address the issues identified by inspectors.
