Blue Bell and Boar’s Head faced significant listeria outbreaks, but their responses to these crises highlight key differences in corporate handling of food safety issues, transparency, and public relations.
Blue Bell’s Response to the Listeria Outbreak
In 2015, Blue Bell Creameries experienced a listeria outbreak that led to a recall of all its products and a temporary shutdown of its production facilities. The listeria contamination in Blue Bell’s products was linked to the deaths of three people and sickened several others across multiple states. Despite being aware of potential contamination at least two years earlier, the company did not issue a recall until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intervened. According to reports, Blue Bell had detected listeria in its facilities during internal testing, but it failed to take action to rectify the situation or alert the public.
Blue Bell’s delayed response and initial lack of transparency generated significant criticism. It wasn’t until public health agencies stepped in and linked their products to the listeria cases that Blue Bell initiated its recall. The company eventually shut down operations, sanitized its facilities, and reformed its production processes, but the initial handling caused damage to its reputation and led to financial and legal repercussions. Blue Bell was fined $17.25 million for distributing contaminated products, one of the largest penalties in a food safety case.
Boar’s Head’s Response to the Listeria Outbreak
In contrast, Boar’s Head acted more decisively in 2024 when it faced its own listeria outbreak. The contamination was traced back to the company’s Jarratt, Virginia, plant, specifically impacting its liverwurst production. The outbreak led to nine deaths and hospitalizations in 57 others across 18 states.
Upon identifying the source of the contamination, Boar’s Head quickly initiated a recall of the affected products and later expanded the recall to include over 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meats. In fact, in one statement, the company says:
Boar’s Head took significant steps to address the problem once it was identified, including permanently discontinuing liverwurst production and closing the Jarratt plant indefinitely. The company also committed to revamping its food safety protocols by establishing a Food Safety Council and appointing a Chief Food Safety Officer to prevent future incidents. While the outbreak was severe, Boar’s Head displayed a higher level of transparency than Blue Bell by working closely with regulatory bodies, issuing public statements, and taking full responsibility for the contamination.
Key Differences
- Speed of Action: While Blue Bell delayed its response and only acted after CDC involvement, Boar’s Head moved swiftly to recall products and implement internal changes. This proactive stance helped minimize further damage.
- Transparency: Blue Bell’s initial failure to disclose its internal listeria findings harmed its reputation. On the other hand, Boar’s Head openly communicated with the public, regulators, and employees, admitting fault and detailing the steps it would take to prevent future issues.
- Long-Term Changes: Boar’s Head’s decision to permanently discontinue liverwurst production and close the affected facility demonstrates a significant commitment to safety. In contrast, Blue Bell temporarily shut down operations but resumed production without making such a drastic shift in its product offerings.
Ultimately, Boar’s Head’s approach showcased a more robust commitment to addressing food safety issues head-on, whereas Blue Bell’s delayed response and lack of early transparency may have resulted in greater reputational and financial damage.
