Boar’s Head Shuts Down Virginia Plant After Listeria Outbreak Kills Nine, Hospitalizes 57

Sep 13, 2024, 06:45 PM

Boar’s Head Provisions has announced the indefinite closure of its deli meat plant in Jarratt, Virginia, following a deadly listeria outbreak. The outbreak has been linked to the deaths of nine people and the hospitalization of at least 57 others across 18 states. The company had previously ignored USDA warnings in 2022 regarding inadequate methods to control listeria. Inspectors found listeria on equipment during a July inspection, along with mold, insects, and other safety violations. The closure will result in the loss of approximately 500 jobs, and the company will also discontinue the production of liverwurst, which was identified as the source of the outbreak. Union officials stated that affected workers would receive severance and relocation offers.