A recent outbreak of listeria food poisoning associated with Boar's Head deli meats has come to an end, as confirmed by federal health officials. The outbreak resulted in ten fatalities and 61 reported cases of illness across 19 states, all linked to consuming listeria-contaminated Boar's Head products, including liverwurst. The illnesses occurred between late May and mid-September, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Per CDC guidelines, listeria outbreaks are considered officially concluded after 60 days have passed since the last reported illness. Furthermore, the deli products implicated in the outbreak have now exceeded their shelf life.
In response to the situation, Boar's Head initiated a recall of over 7 million pounds of deli meats distributed nationwide. The company took the additional step of closing down a production facility in Jarratt, Virginia, and permanently discontinuing the production of liverwurst.
Concerns have been raised regarding the conditions at the factory, with reports of issues such as mold, insects, water leakage, and contamination of surfaces and equipment. The U.S. Agriculture Department is conducting an internal investigation to determine whether federal and state inspectors adequately addressed the reported problems.
Several lawsuits have been filed against Boar's Head by individuals who fell ill or their families as a result of the outbreak. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service has declined to share inspection documents related to the plant and reports from eight other company facilities nationwide. Efforts are being made to appeal the denial of the public records request.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the well-being of consumers to prevent similar incidents in the future.
