
Today the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service published its investigation findings into the Boar's Head deli meat Listeria monocytogenes outbreak, noting multiple food safety lapses at a Boar's Head facility in Jarratt, Virginia.
The outbreak occurred last summer and fall and sickened at least 61 people from 19 states. Sixty of the 61 patients were hospitalized, and 10 died. Liverwurst processed at the Jarratt plant was identified as the source of the outbreak.
During initial investigations, whole-genome sequencing identified Listeria on both ready-to-eat (RTE) liverwurst and a pallet jack (equipment used to lift and move pallets) that traveled throughout the raw and RTE areas of the plant. All products produced at the plant from May 10, 2024, to July 29, 2024, were eventually recalled—in total more than 7 million pounds of RTE meat and poultry products—and the plant was closed indefinitely on September 13.
Condensation, residue found
Investigations into the plant operations showed several problems, including the presence of meat and fat residue from the previous day's production on equipment, multiple instances of condensation near meat products, and structural building problems, including cracks, holes and broken flooring, that could hold moisture and contribute to wet conditions.
All of these lapses can contribute to the survival of Listeria.
Repeated instances of insanitary conditions can present opportunities for growth or sustained presence of [Listeria monocytogenes]."
"Observations by VDACS (Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services] inspection personnel documented in noncompliance records (NR) demonstrated multiple instances of noncompliance with Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures and Sanitation Performance Standards," the report states. "While sanitary conditions were required to be restored for each documented noncompliance, repeated instances of insanitary conditions can present opportunities for growth or sustained presence of [Listeria monocytogenes]."