The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a shocking rise in listeriosis cases tied to Boar’s Head products, marking the largest outbreak of its kind since the 2011 cantaloupe-linked outbreak. According to the CDC’s late-August update, the number of reported cases has climbed to 57, with 14 new illnesses and 6 additional deaths. The tragic toll now stands at 9 fatalities, including victims from states like Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
This outbreak, linked to Boar’s Head liverwurst, has sparked widespread concern as consumers are urged to check their refrigerators for any remaining products that may have long shelf lives. The CDC emphasized the importance of vigilance, advising consumers to look for the USDA inspection code “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” on product labels. Some of these products have sell-by dates extending into October 2024, posing an ongoing threat to public health.
The CDC has also underscored the severe consequences of listeria, particularly for vulnerable groups. Pregnant women, for example, may experience mild symptoms like fever and fatigue, but the infection can lead to tragic outcomes such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infections in newborns. Those who are not pregnant may face more severe symptoms, including confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Given the long incubation period of up to 70 days, many consumers could still be at risk.
Boar’s Head, a brand trusted by many for its premium meats, is now facing the fallout from this devastating outbreak. In a corporate press release on September 13, the company expressed regret and offered a deep apology for the contamination. “We regret and deeply apologize for the recent Listeria monocytogenes contamination in our liverwurst product,” the company said. Boar’s Head emphasized that they are taking comprehensive measures to prevent a recurrence, working closely with the USDA and other regulatory agencies to ensure the highest food safety standards are met.
Boar’s Head defended its delayed response, stating that the time was necessary for an exhaustive investigation. “We recognize you want and deserve answers,” the statement read, “but we needed to take the necessary time to conduct an in-depth review and analysis of all our processes and procedures.” While many consumers may be frustrated by the delay, Boar’s Head assured the public that it left “no stone unturned” in its investigation at its Jarratt, Virginia facility, where the contaminated liverwurst was produced.
In a significant move, the company announced that it would permanently discontinue liverwurst production, a decision prompted by its investigation, which revealed that a specific production process at the Jarratt facility was the root cause of the contamination. “First and foremost, our investigation has identified the root cause of the contamination,” the company said, adding that this process was used solely for liverwurst.
In an even more dramatic decision, Boar’s Head has opted to close its Jarratt plant indefinitely. While acknowledging the impact on hundreds of hardworking employees, the company expressed its belief that the closure was necessary. “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,” the statement read. The company vowed to assist employees in the transition process, but the closure undoubtedly marks a major blow to the local economy.
Despite the grim news, Boar’s Head has committed to using this crisis as an opportunity to enhance food safety programs, not just for their company but for the entire industry. “This is a dark moment in our company’s history,” Boar’s Head admitted, but the company pledged to emerge stronger and more committed to consumer safety.
As this situation unfolds, it serves as a reminder that even the most trusted brands can fall victim to lapses in safety. Consumers are encouraged to stay vigilant and follow CDC guidelines to protect themselves and their families.
