Boar’s Head Closes Troubled Virginia Plant and Ceases Liverwurst Production in Response to Deadly Listeria Contamination

In a significant development, Boar’s Head has decided to shut down its Virginia plant, the epicenter of a deadly listeria outbreak.

The company has termed this decision as a “dark moment in our company’s history,” reflecting the gravity of the situation.

Discontinuation of Liverwurst Production

The closure will also bring an end to the production of liverwurst at this facility.

This particular product was linked to the listeria outbreak that occurred in July, which tragically resulted in nine deaths and hospitalized 57 others.

The plant has been non-operational since late July 2024, and Boar’s Head announced that the decision to close is based on the serious nature of the outbreak.

Impact on Employees and Company Response

The plant’s closure will affect around 200 employees, according to the New York Times.

Boar’s Head expressed deep regret over the impact on its workers, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation given its role as a major local employer.

The company has promised to support its employees through the transition process.

Source of Contamination and Recall Details

The contamination was traced specifically to the liverwurst production line at the Jarratt facility.

No other products were found to be affected. A mass recall was issued on July 26, covering liverwurst made between June 11 and July 17.

This outbreak, which has been linked to multiple fatalities and hospitalizations across 18 states, is the largest listeria incident in the US in over a decade.

Regulatory Actions and Past Violations

Following the outbreak, the Department of Agriculture issued a suspension notice on July 31.

This notice cited the plant for failing to maintain sanitary conditions and resulted in the suspension of federal inspection marks for ready-to-eat products.

Reports from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service revealed 69 violations at the Jarratt plant over the past year.

Inspectors reported unsanitary conditions including flies in pickle vats, ants on walls, and visible mold and mildew.

Boar’s Head’s Commitment to Food Safety

Boar’s Head has vowed to learn from this incident and sees it as an opportunity to improve food safety across the industry.

The company aims to use this experience to enhance its practices and ensure such an outbreak does not recur.

Reflection on the Outbreak’s Impact

The listeria outbreak has been described as the most significant food-borne disease incident in the US since the 2011 cantaloupe outbreak, which also resulted in multiple deaths and illnesses.

Among the deceased was Gunter Morgenstein, a father-of-three and Holocaust survivor, who had been a regular consumer of Boar’s Head liverwurst due to its connection to his native Germany.