The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has initiated an internal investigation into its handling of reports concerning a Boar’s Head deli meat plant linked to a recent listeria outbreak, according to Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. The investigation, led by USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong, aims to examine the response of federal investigators and Virginia state inspectors to numerous reports of issues at the factory.
The Boar’s Head plant, located in Jarratt, Virginia, had been the subject of inspection reports dating back at least two years. These reports highlighted various problems, including the presence of mold, insects, dripping water, and meat and fat residue on surfaces throughout the facility. Such conditions were noted as potentially posing an “imminent threat” to food safety.
The listeria outbreak associated with products from this plant, including liverwurst and other deli meats, has resulted in at least 10 deaths, nearly 50 hospitalizations across 19 states, and multiple lawsuits against the company.
In response to the outbreak, Boar’s Head recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meat distributed nationwide and subsequently closed the Virginia plant. The company also made the decision to no longer manufacture liverwurst, which is considered a high-risk food due to its nature as a processed, ready-to-eat food product.
Senator Blumenthal, who had previously called for an investigation in a September 5 letter, expressed concern over the USDA’s apparent lack of action despite repeated serious violations found at the plant. The internal investigation is expected to evaluate how recurrent problems were handled and assess whether state inspections adequately mitigated the risk of contaminated products entering the food supply.
The Boar’s Head plant was operating under a program that allows state inspectors to act on behalf of the federal agency. This arrangement is now under scrutiny as part of the investigation.
In addition to the USDA’s internal probe, Senator Blumenthal and Representative Rosa DeLauro, also from Connecticut, have requested the Justice Department to consider whether criminal charges are warranted in this case.
As of now, officials from the Inspector General’s office have not publicly confirmed the investigation. The USDA’s findings and any subsequent actions taken as a result of this investigation will likely be closely watched by both industry stakeholders and consumer advocacy groups.
Commenting on this article, national Listeria lawyer Ron Simon, who has filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Gunter Morgenstein, who died after eating Boar’s Head liverwurst, said, “Widespread negligence by Boar’s Head has left multiple families without their loved ones. We plan on holding the company accountable for the damage that has been done.”
