A Boar’s Head deli meat plant in Jarratt, Virginia, linked to a deadly listeria outbreak, has been found to have violated federal regulations 69 times over the past year, according to multiple news sources.
Food Poisoning News has extensively covered the outbreak including recall announcements, one victim’s story, and overall danger of Listeria infection:
- Massive Boar’s Head Deli Meat Recall Linked to Deadly Listeria Outbreak
- Listeria Outbrak Linked to Boar’s Head Deli Meats – One Victim’s Story
- How Dangerous Listeria Can Be for Pregnant Women and Their Babies
The plant has been associated with at least nine deaths and approximately 50 hospitalizations across 18 states. All affected individuals contracted listeria after consuming Boar’s Head deli meats.
The company recalled over 7 million pounds of products last month after tests confirmed the presence of listeria bacteria in their products.
Inspection reports from August 1, 2023, to August 2, 2024, revealed numerous sanitation issues. These included heavy meat buildup on equipment, meat residue on walls and floors, flies in vats, mold on ceilings, and blood puddles on floors.
The U.S. Agriculture Department has suspended inspections at the plant, which will remain closed until it can demonstrate the ability to produce safe products. Production was halted by the company at the facility in late July.
The plant was inspected by Virginia officials and, when issues were identified, Boar’s Head reportedly took corrective actions in compliance with federal regulations. No enforcement actions were taken between January and March, the latest available records.
While the inspection documents did not confirm the presence of listeria in the factory, the Centers for Disease Control notes that the bacteria “is a hardy germ that can remain on surfaces, like meat slicers, and foods, even at refrigerated temperatures.”
Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous for certain vulnerable populations. Pregnant individuals, people aged 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant individuals, listeriosis can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
In an August 29 update on the Boar’s Head website the company apologized to the families of the victims and said that it was actively investigating the contamination with relevant government agencies and industry food safety experts.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are advised not to consume them and to either discard them or return them to the place of purchase.
Commenting on this story, one national Listeria lawyer said, “The impact from this Listeria outbreak is far from over. Contaminated products may still be in consumer’s fridges or freezers so I strongly advise checking for the recalled meats and discontinue use immediately.”
Ron Simon Files Lawsuit on Behalf of the Family of Mr. Morgenstein , Who Died July 18th
A copy of the lawsuit is available upon request from his attorney.
On June 30, 2024, Gunter Morgenstein, a Holocaust survivor, purchased Boar’s Head liverwurst from his local Harris Teeter store located in Newport News, VA. Over the next week, he consumed the liverwurst in sandwiches and thereafter began to experience diarrhea, weakness, and shortness of breath.
On July 8th, Mr. Morgenstein was taken by ambulance to Riverside Regional Hospital where he was diagnosed with sepsis and listeriosis. His condition rapidly deteriorated and he died on July 18th, surrounded by his loved ones.
According to the Complaint, filed in Sarasota County, Florida, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has identified at least 57 victims in 18 states who have tested positive for listeria poisoning from contaminated Boar’s Head products. All of the victims have been hospitalized, and nine have died. The CDC has since announced, “this is the largest listeriosis outbreak since the 2011 outbreak linked to cantaloupe.”
The investigation by federal and state health agencies has already identified a number of health violations at the company’s Jarratt, Virginia plant, including the presence of mold, insects, blood puddles, contaminated water, old meat residue, ceiling leaks and contaminated food surfaces. The investigation remains ongoing.
Boar’s Head has since recalled all products manufactured at the plant, which remains closed until further notice.
According to Ron Simon, attorney for the Morgenstein Family and other listeria victims: “Gunter was a very active and vibrant personality and was still working right up until his illness. He should not have died from eating a sandwich. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims affected by this completely avoidable travesty. Through this lawsuit and others, we will make sure that all listeria victims are fairly compensated for their losses. We will find out exactly how this happened and will force Boar’s Head to make sure it does not happen again.”
