USDA Launches Internal Investigation into Boar’s Head Outbreak Response

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials have launched an internal investigation into how the agency handled reports of serious problems at a Boar’s Head deli meat plant in Virginia, which was linked to a deadly listeria outbreak. The investigation comes after concerns were raised about the agency’s response to multiple reports of unsanitary conditions at the plant.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said that USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong is looking into whether federal and Virginia state inspectors acted appropriately in response to numerous reports of issues at the factory, including mold, insects, dripping water, and meat and fat residue on walls, floors, and equipment. Inspection reports dating back at least two years indicated that these conditions posed an “imminent threat” to food safety.

The action follows a September 5 letter from Blumenthal demanding an investigation.

“USDA took virtually no action — allowing Boar’s Head to continue business as usual at its chronically unsanitary Virginia plant — despite finding repeated serious violations,” Blumenthal stated in a statement.

At least 10 people have died and nearly 50 have been hospitalized in 19 states since May after consuming listeria-contaminated Boar’s Head products, including liverwurst. After recalling over 7 million pounds of deli meat distributed nationwide, Boar’s Head officials closed the plant in Jarratt, Virginia, and permanently ceased production of liverwurst.

Blumenthal declined to release the USDA’s response to his request for an investigation. He stated that the internal investigation would evaluate the handling of recurrent problems and whether state inspections effectively mitigated the risk of tainted products entering the food supply.

The Boar’s Head plant was inspected under a program that allows state inspectors to operate on behalf of the federal agency.

In addition to the internal investigation, Blumenthal and Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) last month requested that the Justice Department investigate whether criminal charges are warranted.

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has refused to release documents related to the agency’s inspections and enforcement actions at the plant, including inspection reports from eight other company factories across the country. The agency denied Freedom of Information Act requests submitted by The Associated Press, citing concerns that releasing the records could “interfere with” and “hinder” potential law enforcement investigations. The Associated Press is appealing the denial.

Key Takeaways:

• The USDA has launched an internal investigation into its handling of reports of unsanitary conditions at a Boar’s Head deli meat plant linked to a deadly listeria outbreak.
• The investigation will examine whether federal and state inspectors adequately responded to concerns about food safety violations at the plant.
• This investigation comes after Senator Blumenthal demanded an investigation into the USDA’s actions.
• The Justice Department is also being asked to investigate whether criminal charges are warranted.
• This case highlights the importance of robust food safety regulations and effective oversight of food processing facilities.