Boar’s Head faced a crisis after a deadly listeria outbreak was linked to its liverwurst product manufactured at its plant in Virginia. The company made the difficult decision to indefinitely close the plant, impacting the livelihoods of hundreds of employees. The outbreak resulted in nine deaths and hospitalization of 57 people, leading to a nationwide recall of Boar’s Head liverwurst. The United States Department of Agriculture suspended the Jarratt facility on July 31, prompting the company to work with regulatory agencies and food safety experts to identify the cause of the contamination and implement improvements.
The specific production process at the Jarratt facility was determined to be the cause of the listeria contamination in the liverwurst product. Boar’s Head expressed deep regret and issued a public apology for the situation, acknowledging the profound impact it had on affected families. The company emphasized its responsibility as one of the area’s largest employers and stated that the plant closure was the most prudent course of action under the circumstances. Boar’s Head pledged to assist each of its employees in the transition process while prioritizing the safety and well-being of consumers.
The CDC highlighted Boar’s Head as responsible for the largest listeriosis outbreak since 2011, underlining the severity of the situation. As part of the recall, the company expanded its effort to include 7 million pounds of meat produced at the facility, encompassing all items made there. In response to the crisis, Boar’s Head appointed a new chief food safety officer who reports directly to the company’s president and established a food safety council comprised of independent experts. Additionally, the company implemented an enhanced and comprehensive food safety and quality assurance program to prevent future incidents.
Despite facing a challenging period in its history, Boar’s Head expressed its commitment to learning from the outbreak and making necessary improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future. The company worked closely with regulatory agencies and experts to understand the root cause of the contamination and implemented stringent measures to enhance food safety across its operations. Boar’s Head’s actions demonstrate a dedication to transparency, accountability, and consumer safety, outlining a clear path forward to rebuild trust and confidence in its products. The company’s decision to prioritize safety and quality assurance aligns with its longstanding reputation for producing high-quality deli meats while upholding rigorous food safety standards.
In light of the listeria outbreak and subsequent closure of its Virginia plant, Boar’s Head faces the challenge of rebuilding its reputation and ensuring the safety of its products for consumers. The company’s efforts to appoint key food safety personnel, establish expert councils, and enhance its overall food safety program reflect a proactive approach to addressing the crisis and preventing future incidents. By working collaboratively with regulatory agencies, industry experts, and stakeholders, Boar’s Head aims to implement best practices and safeguards to protect against potential risks in its production processes. As the company navigates this challenging period, its focus on transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement sets a foundation for regaining consumer trust and maintaining its position as a trusted provider of quality deli meats.
