Boar’s Head Announces Permanent Closure Of Plant Linked To Louisiana Recall

After multiple Boar's Head deli meat recalls in Louisiana and nationwide, the plant linked to the ongoing listeria outbreak is permanently closing.

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We reported in July that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection announced that multiple products manufactured by Boar's Head Provisions Co. are being recalled due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

"Inspectors discovered 'heavy discolored meat buildup, meat overspray on walls, and large pieces of meat on the floor' of the plant. According to the documentation provided, there were 69 recorded instances of 'noncompliance' with federal guidelines this year."

Read More: Recall Expands For Popular Deli Meat Sold in Louisiana and Texas

57 people have reportedly been hospitalized in 18 different states, and 9 people have died due to the deadly listeria outbreak. Inspection records show that the plant has had multiple health code violations dating back to 2021.

Boar's Head released a statement explaining the decision behind the closure.

Given the seriousness of the outbreak, and the fact that it originated at Jarratt, we have made the difficult decision to indefinitely close this location, which has not been operational since late July 2024

USA Today reported that 500 union workers are impacted by the closing of the plant, and additional employees in management are expected to be affected too according to Jonathan Williams, the Local 400 Union spokesman.

It pains us to impact the livelihoods of hundreds of hard-working employees," Boar's Head said in its updated statement about the product recalls on its website. "We do not take lightly our responsibility as one of the area’s largest employers. But, under these circumstances, we feel that a plant closure is the most prudent course. We will work to assist each of our employees in the transition process

 

Read More: Deli Meat Recall Hits These Louisiana Stores

The company describes the closure as a 'dark moment' in their companies history and in addition to the Jarratt, Virginia closure they will also be discontinuing the production of liverwurst.

Boar's Head Pledges To Take New Steps To Prevent Contaminations

USA Today reported that Boar's Head has listed new safety measures to prevent future contaminations.

• Chief food safety officer. The company is creating and recruiting for a new executive position (chief food safety and quality assurance officer) that reports to Boar’s Head’s president Carlos Giraldo.
• A companywide food safety and QA program. Boar's Head said it will create a companywide program, led by the chief food safety officer, to address food safety standards throughout the supply chain.
• Establishing a “Boar’s Head Food Safety Council. The council will be made up of “independent industry-leading food safety experts,” to advise the new chief food safety officer help the company adopt and implement enhanced quality assurance (QA) programs “and create a new standard for food safety in the industry." Founding members include Dr. David Acheson, a global food safety consultant and former USDA official; food safety expert Mindy Brashears, also a former USDA official; food scientist and veterinarian Martin Wiedmann, who is also co-director of the New York State Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence; and Frank Yiannas, former deputy commissioner for food policy and response at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).