Recent USDA inspections reveal unsanitary conditions at multiple Boar’s Head facilities, raising serious health concerns for consumers.

Washington: So, it turns out the USDA found some pretty gross stuff at several Boar’s Head deli meat plants. They didn’t just check the one that got shut down after that listeria outbreak last year; they looked at others too.
Reports show that plants in New Castle, Indiana; Forrest City, Arkansas; and Petersburg, Virginia, had all sorts of unsanitary issues. We’re talking about meat and fat residue on equipment, mold, and even insects. Some of these problems have been going on for about six years!
One inspector even noted “general filth” in a room at the Indiana plant last May. The USDA released these records after some news organizations asked for them. It’s a bit alarming, especially since these issues are similar to what was found at the Virginia plant linked to the food poisoning outbreak.
Some of the violations included equipment covered in meat scraps and dried meat residue left behind. There was also a doorway covered in grime and even green mold. And just this year, they found unidentified slime and a bunch of insects. Yikes!
Boar’s Head said these violations don’t meet their standards, but they’re still operating under USDA oversight. They’ve built a reputation for quality deli meats, but this is definitely raising eyebrows.
After the listeria outbreak last year, which sickened over 60 people and led to 10 deaths, Boar’s Head had to recall millions of pounds of deli meat. It all started when health officials found listeria in a package of liverwurst.
People are understandably concerned. Thomas Gremillion from the Consumer Federation of America said it’s reasonable for folks to think twice about eating deli meat now. Trust is a big deal, and companies like Boar’s Head need to earn it back.
There are also lawsuits piling up against Boar’s Head related to the outbreak. One man, Garett Dorman, is suing after his mother died from eating their liverwurst. He’s calling for a complete overhaul of their safety practices.
Lawmakers are not happy either. They’re criticizing the USDA for not taking stronger action despite the repeated issues. The USDA’s inspector general is looking into how the agency has handled this, and the Justice Department is considering if any criminal charges should be filed.
In a recent report, the USDA pointed out that poor sanitation practices played a big role in the outbreak. They found all sorts of problems, like product residue and dripping liquids in the plants. Now, they’re promising to step up their game with better testing and inspections.
Boar’s Head is even hiring a “food safety culture manager” to help improve things. It’s a tough situation, and many are hoping for real changes to ensure food safety.