Boar’s Head, a deli meat company, is under scrutiny by law enforcement officials in relation to a deadly listeria food poisoning outbreak. The U.S. Agriculture Department has disclosed that documents regarding inspections and enforcement at the Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia, as well as reports from eight other company factories in the U.S., were withheld due to being compiled for a law enforcement purpose. The outbreak, which has killed 10 people and sickened at least 50 in 19 states since May, was initially linked to Boar’s Head liverwurst. Previous records revealed issues such as mold, insects, and meat residue dating back at least two years. The company has recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meat and closed the Virginia plant.
Several lawsuits have been filed against Boar’s Head by victims and their families, and government officials are considering potential legal actions. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Rosa DeLauro have called on the Agriculture and Justice departments to collaborate on determining whether criminal charges should be brought against Boar’s Head. The USDA’s internal investigators are reviewing the situation and will decide by the end of the year whether to open an inquiry. Past food poisoning outbreaks have resulted in criminal and civil penalties for companies involved, such as Chipotle paying a record $25 million in 2020 for tainted food that sickened over 1,100 people and a former Peanut Corporation of America executive being sentenced to 28 years in prison in 2015.
The company has permanently stopped making liverwurst and implemented measures to address the issues identified in previous inspections. Boar’s Head is currently facing intense scrutiny and potential legal consequences for their role in the deadly listeria food poisoning outbreak. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has not provided additional comment on the records, and the Justice Department has declined to comment on potential legal actions against Boar’s Head. The investigation into the outbreak and the company’s practices is ongoing, with possible criminal charges on the horizon.
The outbreak has raised concerns about food safety regulations and the enforcement of those regulations within the meat processing industry. Government agencies are under pressure to take strong action against companies found to be responsible for food poisoning outbreaks. The case of Boar’s Head serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent food safety measures in order to protect consumers from potential harm. The outcome of the investigation and any legal actions taken against the company will set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. It is essential for authorities to hold accountable those responsible for compromising public health through unsafe food practices.
