The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an increase in the number of deaths and illnesses linked to a nationwide listeria outbreak associated with Boar’s Head deli meats. The death toll has risen to eight, with five additional fatalities, and 14 new cases of illness have been reported.
Documents obtained by CBS News from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) through a Freedom of Information Act request have revealed numerous violations at the Boar’s Head plant in Jarrett, Virginia. These violations include instances of mold, mildew, and insect infestations throughout the facility. USDA records also indicate sightings of insects in and around deli meats at the plant, leading to the retention of over 980 pounds of ham for investigation.
In June, the USDA flagged concerns about flies entering and exiting vats of pickle left in a room. Other areas of the facility were also found to be infested with insects, including ants, beetles, and cockroaches. The plant also had issues with water leakage and pooling, with one instance of a green algal growth found in a puddle and condensation dripping over products being held.
The USDA flagged a total of 69 instances of noncompliance at the plant over the past year. In response to these findings, Boar’s Head has halted production at the plant until they can ensure it meets the standards expected by their customers. The company is conducting an extensive investigation in partnership with food safety experts to determine how their liverwurst became contaminated and to prevent future occurrences.
This outbreak is the largest listeriosis incident since a cantaloupe-associated outbreak in 2011. Boar’s Head, a family-run business based in Sarasota, Florida, recalled seven million pounds of meat last month, a significant increase from the 200,000 pounds recalled in June when the outbreak was first reported.
The outbreak has affected at least 13 states, with all 57 individuals who fell ill requiring hospitalization. The recent deaths occurred in Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and South Carolina. The Maryland Department of Health traced the outbreak back to the Jarrett plant after testing an unopened package of liverwurst.
Listeria is a resilient bacterium that can survive on surfaces and in foods, even at refrigerated temperatures. The CDC advises against consuming recalled deli meats and urges consumers to check for any remaining recalled products, as they can have a long shelf life. Some of the products have sell-by dates extending into October 2024.