Boar’s Head has announced it will permanently discontinue its liverwurst product and close its Jarratt, Virginia, deli plant indefinitely following a severe listeria outbreak.
This drastic decision comes as a response to the outbreak that has been linked to 57 hospitalizations and nine deaths among elderly individuals.
Closure Of Jarratt Plant and Discontinuation of Liverwurst
On Friday, Boar’s Head released a statement confirming that the Jarratt facility, under scrutiny for health and sanitation issues, will be shut down indefinitely. The decision marks a significant move by the company in response to the outbreak that has raised serious concerns about food safety.
The outbreak, which first emerged in July, prompted Boar’s Head to recall its lunch meats and suspend production at the Jarratt plant. Recent inspections revealed that the plant’s protocols for controlling listeria were insufficient and uncovered unsanitary conditions that could have contributed to contamination.
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Past Issues At The Jarratt Facility
The Jarratt, Virginia, plant has a history of health and sanitation violations. According to The New York Times, federal inspectors had previously flagged the facility for posing an “imminent threat” to food safety two years ago. Despite these warnings, the U.S. Department of Agriculture did not impose an operational suspension, allowing the plant to continue functioning.
The plant’s long-standing issues have now culminated in this severe outbreak, leading to Boar’s Head’s decision to permanently end its liverwurst product line, which was directly associated with the contamination.
Steps Taken By Boar’s Head to Address Food Safety Concerns
Boar’s Head is taking several measures to enhance its food safety practices in response to the crisis. The company plans to form a new safety council of food safety experts to oversee and improve hygiene protocols. Boar’s Head will appoint a new chief food safety and quality assurance officer who will report directly to the company president.
These steps are part of a broader effort by Boar’s Head to address ongoing food hygiene issues and restore trust in its products. The company’s commitment to improving food safety aims to prevent future incidents and ensure higher standards across its operations.
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Support For Affected Employees
Boar’s Head is also addressing the impact of the plant closure on its workforce. The company offers severance packages and relocation options to employees affected by the shutdown.
Workers can continue their employment at other Boar’s Head facilities in Virginia or transfer to plants in Michigan, Indiana, New York, and Arkansas.
Conclusion
The closure of Boar’s Head’s Jarratt plant and the discontinuation of its liverwurst product represent a significant shift for the company in response to a deadly listeria outbreak. The company’s actions underscore the seriousness of the situation and its commitment to improving food safety standards.
As Boar’s Head navigates this challenging period, its steps to enhance its food safety protocols and support its employees reflect its dedication to addressing the crisis and restoring consumer confidence.