Boar’s Head facility linked to Listeria outbreak has dozens of violations

U.S. Department of Agriculture reports reveal deplorable conditions at Boar’s Head’s Jarratt, Va., plant which has been linked to a Listeria outbreak that is behind 9 deaths and almost 60 hospitalizations across 18 states.

According to documents obtained by CBS News through the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), officials cited the plant 69 times for noncompliance between Aug. 1, 2023, and Aug. 2, 2024. 

During that time period, the Department of Agriculture found insects, mold, meat buildup, and blood puddles on the floor of the plant.

The Jarratt plant has been temporarily shut down while an investigation is conducted. 

Insects were a consistent problem. On June 10, DOA workers discovered small insects crawling on the walls and flying around the room that housed pickle vats. Ants and more flying insects were found in the room. 

On July 17 and July 25, both dead and live insects were found in a smokehouse hallway that contained over 980 pounds of ham. 

As early as Aug. 8, 2023, heavy discolored meat build up was found on a hydraulic pump on the motor of an inspection line. Heavy meat build up on walls of a room was reported again on June 10 of this year. 

Officials also found a black mold-like substance on Jan. 9, and on four other occasions. Some of the spots were as large as a quarter. 

Leaks were also occurring and on July 17 a puddle of green algal growth was seen by inspectors. Earlier in the year, a cooler was filled with blood puddles. 

Boar’s Head had not responded to a request for comment in time for publication of this story. 

The CDC said the Listeria outbreak is the worst since 2011 when 13 people in eight states died after eating contaminated cantaloupe. 

In late July, Boar’s Head recalled 7 million pounds of deli meat covering 10 products ranging from ham to bologna to sausage. All of the recalled meat originated from the company’s Jarratt, Va., plant.

The recall has already resulted in two lawsuits, with one pending as a potential class-action suit. 

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In the wake of one of the worst Listeria outbreaks in over a decade, it appears the Department of Agriculture cited a Boar’s Head plant multiple times for violations over the last year. The plant produced the contaminated products. Do you think the federal government is doing enough to ensure food safety?  Comment below or reach out to the SN staff at [email protected].