Boar's Head Plant Closure Linked to Deadly Listeria Outbreak

The Virginia facility's unsanitary conditions and ignored warnings have resulted in 10 deaths and widespread recalls.

The Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia, has been indefinitely closed following a listeria outbreak that has caused 10 deaths and sickened 59 people across 19 states.
Former employees reported severe mismanagement and unsafe conditions, including mold, pooling blood, and clogged drains, leading to the outbreak.
The USDA and CDC identified liverwurst produced at the Jarratt plant as the source of the listeria contamination, prompting a recall of over 7 million pounds of deli meats and cheeses.
Whistleblower complaints and inspection reports revealed that the plant had been cited 69 times for noncompliance in the past year, with issues like dirty machinery and insect infestations.
Boar’s Head has permanently discontinued liverwurst production and is undergoing a comprehensive review of its facilities nationwide to prevent future outbreaks.