Officials at the U.S. Agriculture Department have initiated an internal investigation into the agency’s handling of reports of significant issues at a Boar’s Head deli meat plant linked to a deadly listeria outbreak, a lawmaker revealed on Tuesday.
Senator Richard Blumenthal stated that USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong is examining whether federal and state inspectors responded appropriately to numerous reports of problems at the plant, such as mold, insects, water leaks, and residue on surfaces and equipment. Inspection reports from the past two years indicated that these conditions could present a serious threat to food safety.
This investigation was prompted by a letter from Blumenthal on September 5th demanding an inquiry.
“The USDA failed to take sufficient action, allowing Boar’s Head to continue operating as usual at its consistently unsanitary Virginia plant, despite repeated serious violations,” said the Connecticut Democrat in a statement.
RELATED STORY | Boar’s Head plant at center of deadly listeria outbreak is shutting down
Following the outbreak linked to listeria-contaminated Boar’s Head products, including liverwurst, which resulted in 10 deaths and nearly 50 hospitalizations across 19 states, the plant in Jarratt, Virginia was closed, and liverwurst production was permanently halted.
Officials from Fong’s office did not immediately confirm the investigation. Blumenthal did not disclose the agency’s response but mentioned that the internal investigation would assess the handling of ongoing issues and the effectiveness of state inspections in preventing tainted products from entering the food supply.
The Boar’s Head plant was inspected under a program where state inspectors act on behalf of the federal agency.
RELATED STORY | 10th death reported in Boar’s Head deli meat listeria outbreak
In addition to the internal investigation, Blumenthal and Rep. Rosa DeLauro from Connecticut requested the Justice Department to consider potential criminal charges.
Officials from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service have refused to share documents related to inspections and enforcement at the plant, as well as inspection reports from eight other company factories nationwide. The agency denied Freedom of Information Act requests from The Associated Press, citing potential interference with law enforcement investigations. The AP is appealing this denial.
