(Photo by Michael P. Farrell/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)
Roommates, here’s one you should read with caution before a meal! Boar’s Head is still dealing with the aftermath of the listeria outbreak caused by their deli meats.
According to the Associated Press, Boar’s has recalled all the impacted products, but the death toll is still climbing. Additionally, new reports about the Boar’s plant linked to the listeria outbreak revealed mold, mildew, and bugs were running rampant!
CBS News reports that inspectors released new details about a Boar’s Head plant linked to the listeria outbreak. The Department of Agriculture’s report cites the presence of insects, mold, and mildew in the Jarratt, Virginia, facility.
Inspectors found mold and mildew in the employee hand-washing sinks for those tasked with packing ready-to-eat meats. Mold also grew outside of the facility’s steel vats, holding coolers, and the foundation, such as the walls. Additionally, leftover meat on equipment and missing paperwork were issues named.
Also, inspectors reportedly tagged 980 pounds of ham for further investigation after sightings of insects.
In total, the facility reportedly received 69 recorded “noncompliances” from the USDA in just the last year. However, records show no “enforcement actions” were applied during that time. Additionally, reports have not clarified whether the USDA will sanction the plant for the repeated violations.
However, the Boar’s Head plant is reportedly shut down right now as the company disinfects the facility. A spokesperson for Boar’s said no products from the Virginia plant will go on the market until they meet “the highest quality and safety standards. ”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this week that this is the largest listeria since 2011. That public health crisis started with cantaloupes, unlike Boar’s Head, which started with its deli products. In July, two people died, and 28 were in the hospital from the outbreak.
As of this week, though, nine people total have passed away, and at least 57 people have gotten sick from the listeria outbreak. People have been impacted in at least 18 states, including South Carolina, Illinois, New Jersey, Florida, Virginia, New Mexico, Tennessee, and New York, per AP.
As of this month, the food brand has recalled over seven million pounds of deli products.
