Officials from the U.S. Agriculture Department have initiated an internal investigation into the handling of reports concerning serious issues at a Boar’s Head deli meat plant linked to a fatal listeria outbreak, announced Senator Richard Blumenthal on Tuesday.
Senator Blumenthal shared that USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong is examining whether federal and Virginia state inspectors responded adequately to numerous reports of problems at the facility, such as mold, insects, water leaks, and meat and fat residue on surfaces and equipment. Inspection reports dating back over two years warned of conditions that could jeopardize food safety.
This action was prompted by a letter from Senator Blumenthal on September 5, requesting an investigation.
“The USDA took minimal action, allowing Boar’s Head to continue operating its consistently unsanitary plant in Virginia, despite uncovering repeated serious violations,” stated the Connecticut Senator.
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Since May, at least 10 individuals have died and nearly 50 have been hospitalized in 19 states after consuming listeria-contaminated Boar’s Head products, including liverwurst, as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Following the recall of over 7 million pounds of deli meat distributed nationwide, Boar’s Head ceased liverwurst production and permanently closed the plant in Jarratt, Virginia.
Representatives from Fong’s office did not immediately confirm the investigation. Senator Blumenthal did not disclose the agency’s response. He mentioned that the internal investigation will assess the handling of recurring problems and whether state inspections effectively reduced the risk of contaminated products entering the food supply.
The Boar’s Head plant was inspected under a program that allows state inspectors to act on behalf of the federal agency.
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In addition to the internal investigation, Senator Blumenthal and Connecticut Representative Rosa DeLauro formally requested the Justice Department to investigate potential criminal charges.
Officials from USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service have declined to share documents regarding inspections and enforcement at the plant, as well as inspection reports from eight other company facilities nationwide. The agency rejected Freedom of Information Act requests from The Associated Press, citing concerns that releasing the records could impede potential law enforcement investigations. The AP is appealing the denial.
