Troubled deli meat production facility operated by Boar's Head to resume operations, despite concerns over cleanliness.
Boar's Head Deli Meat Plant Prepares to Reopen Amidst Persistent Sanitation Concerns
The Boar's Head deli meat plant in Jarratt, Virginia, which was closed in September 2020 due to a deadly listeria outbreak, is set to reopen in the coming months. However, recent inspection reports from January to July 2021 reveal ongoing sanitation issues not only at the Jarratt plant but also at Boar's Head plants in Arkansas, Indiana, and Virginia.
The USDA lifted the forced suspension on the Jarratt plant on July 18, 2021, following a thorough review. Yet, food safety advocates remain concerned that persistent sanitation problems could pose risks if not fully addressed.
Inspection reports detail issues such as meat and fat residues on equipment, clogged drains, employees not wearing proper sanitary gear, and similar sanitation conditions that previously led to contamination. Reports also document rusting meat racks, doors that failed to close completely, and staff who ignored required handwashing stations.
Additionally, the reports reveal mold, insects, liquid dripping from ceilings, and meat and fat residue on walls, floors, and equipment at the Jarratt plant. There were no instances of insects in this year's inspection reports, but there were repeated reports of dried fat and protein from the previous day's production on equipment, stairs, and walls.
Barbara Kowalcyk, who directs a food safety and nutrition security center at George Washington University, stated that the reports point to a "food safety culture problem" that needs to be addressed. Rep. Rosa DeLauro called the findings "appalling" and a "pattern of negligence."
Despite the ongoing concerns, Boar's Head officials have been working with the Department of Agriculture to ensure the plant is ready for reopening. The company has posted job openings for two dozen positions, including a food safety quality analyst, at the Jarratt site.
The listeria contamination at the Boar's Head plant resulted in 10 deaths and sickened dozens. Outside food safety advocates were surprised that factory conditions did not improve in the year since the listeria outbreak was first identified. The most recent report of sanitation problems at Boar's Head plants was in June 2021.
In light of these findings, it is crucial for regulatory oversight to remain vigilant to ensure the safety of the food produced at the Boar's Head plants. The company's efforts to address the ongoing sanitation issues will be closely watched as they work towards reopening.
[1] USDA Noncompliance Reports, January 1 to July 23, 2021 (obtained by The Associated Press) [2] Boar's Head Convenes Panel of Expert Advisers, Fall 2020 [3] Boar's Head Hires Chief Food Safety Officer, May 2021 [4] Boar's Head Permanently Stops Making Liverwurst and Recalls More Than 7 Million Pounds of Deli Products, Unspecified Date
- Despite the Boar's Head deli meat plant's planned reopening, concerns arise from medical-conditions like listeria contamination, making health-and-wellness a significant issue.
- To ensure the Boar's Head deli meat plant operates safely post-reopening, the company needs to address the persistent sanitation issues, which could impact not only health-and-wellness but also finance, as poor sanitation could lead to business losses.
