Boar’s Head announced on Friday the closure of its Virginia plant following a deadly listeria outbreak. The Sarasota, Florida-based company will also discontinue production of liverwurst, the product linked to the deaths of at least nine people and numerous hospitalizations across 18 states. The contamination was traced back to a specific production process at the Jarratt plant, prompting the closure. The plant has been non-operational since July when over 7 million pounds of deli meats were recalled due to confirmed listeria bacteria.
Listeria infections are caused by a resilient type of bacteria that can survive in refrigerated conditions. Boar’s Head expressed regret for the outbreak, stating that an internal investigation revealed the contamination was limited to the Jarratt plant and liverwurst production. The plant had a history of noncompliance, with various issues noted by government inspectors.
The closure will impact hundreds of employees, but Boar’s Head is establishing new food safety measures, including appointing a chief food safety officer and forming a safety council with independent experts. The company views the situation as an opportunity to enhance food safety programs not only for themselves but for the entire industry. With a new focus on safety and oversight, Boar’s Head aims to rebuild trust and prevent future outbreaks.
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