Overview of the Listeria Outbreak

A potential "law enforcement" investigation is unfolding regarding the alarming multi-state listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head, as disclosed by USA TODAY through official notices received recently. This outbreak spans across 19 states and has led to a staggering 59 hospitalizations, including 10 fatalities, raising serious concerns about food safety practices.

Expert Opinions

Food safety attorney Bill Marler expressed his astonishment, noting, “In my 31 years of dealing with the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), I've never received a response like this.” He indicated that the probe could extend not only to Boar's Head but also to the actions of FSIS inspectors involved.

Origins of the Outbreak

The listeria outbreak, initially reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on July 19, set off a cascade of product recalls from Boar's Head and sparked a significant investigation involving several government agencies. The facility in Jarratt, Virginia, where the listeria outbreak originated, faced troubling inspections for over a year, revealing horrific conditions: mold, insects (both live and dead), water leaks, and rust—deficiencies that posed an "imminent threat to product."

Consequences of the Crisis

In a drastic response to the health crisis, the Jarratt plant has been permanently closed, resulting in 500 job losses. Boar's Head has also ceased production of its liverwurst products, which were suspected to be the source of the listeria contamination.

Government Response and Future Actions

As the investigation intensifies, FSIS recently denied USA TODAY’s requests for nearly 400 pages of records pertinent to the outbreak, citing an exemption that protects law enforcement-related information from public disclosure. The agency stated that releasing these documents could "reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings."

Ongoing Investigation and Calls for Action

Federal officials have remained tight-lipped on the ongoing investigation. Brian McGinn, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, stated, “Justice Department policy prohibits the confirmation or denial of the existence of an ongoing investigation.”

Public Outcry and Legislative Action

Growing calls for accountability have emerged, with food safety advocates and lawmakers pushing for a comprehensive probe. Notably, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) publicly urged the USDA and DOJ to contemplate criminal charges against Boar's Head and advocated for stronger listeria prevention policies within the USDA.

Conclusion

As public health and safety hang in the balance, the demand for transparency and justice in this dire situation is louder than ever. Will Boar's Head face the repercussions of this devastating outbreak? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for updates as this startling story develops!