Boar’s Head to Permanently Discontinue Liverwurst After Listeria Outbreak

Boar’s Head has announced that its liverwurst will no longer be available for purchase or consumption, marking a significant change for the company. This decision comes after the link between a listeria outbreak and a specific production process was confirmed. As of late August, this outbreak has been tied to 57 hospitalizations across 18 states, resulting in nine fatalities, according to reports from USA TODAY.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) became aware of the outbreak on July 19 and promptly issued a recall of 207,528 pounds of Boar’s Head liverwurst one week later. Due to ongoing concerns, the recall was expanded on July 30 to encompass all products manufactured at the same facility where the liverwurst was produced, amounting to a total of 7.2 million pounds of recalled items.

Boar’s Head identified the “root cause” of the contamination as stemming from a specific production process that was unique to its Jarratt facility, which was used solely for the liverwurst. After discovering this information, the company made the decision to permanently discontinue this product. They expressed regret over this necessity, emphasizing their commitment to customer safety.

This significant announcement is part of a broader response to the outbreak that has unfolded since July, involving multiple agencies in an ongoing investigation. The situation has also sparked several lawsuits and calls for a congressional inquiry, highlighting the seriousness of the events surrounding the outbreak.

In light of the crisis, Boar’s Head has decided to close the Virginia-based plant indefinitely, affecting approximately 500 union workers alongside other management personnel. The company expressed its sorrow over the impact on the employees, recognizing their role as one of the area’s primary employers. They committed to assisting each employee through the transition out of the facility.

Reports of unsanitary conditions at the plant, including instances of mold, mildew, insect infestations, and water leaks, have existed since at least 2021. The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a notice of suspension to the facility, which cited the failure to maintain sanitary conditions that led to the production of contaminated products linked to the ongoing listeria outbreak.

In response to the inspection records and noncompliance reports, Boar’s Head took a forthright approach, stating that they made no excuses for the findings. The company’s leadership acknowledged that this marks a “dark moment” in their history but views the situation as an opportunity to strengthen food safety protocols not only for their own operations but across the industry.

Moving forward, Boar’s Head plans to implement several enhanced food safety measures immediately. These alterations include appointing a new Chief Food Safety & Quality Assurance Officer, establishing a “Boar’s Head Food Safety Council” composed of independent industry experts, and creating a comprehensive food safety and quality assurance program to protect consumers.

The company remains dedicated to its customers and ensuring safety and quality in its products. Boar’s Head has promised to work tirelessly to restore consumer trust and guarantee that all future products meet the high standards expected from them. They are committed to learning from this experience and emerging as a more reliable entity in the food industry.

As they navigate the consequences of this outbreak, Boar’s Head’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of food safety in the industry and the ongoing need for vigilance in production processes.

Source: USA TODAY