Between May and November of 2024, a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak found to be associated with Boar’s Head’s Virginia plant hospitalized dozens across 19 states. In September, the meat producer announced the plant’s closure amid the deadly onset.
The USDA’s Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has released a report summarizing the case’s initial findings and recommendations for improvement.
FSIS reviewed the Boar’s Head facility’s inspection documents and sampling data ranging from Jan. 2022 to Sep. 2024 and conducted in-person observations in its review. In collaboration with state partners, FSIS found inadequate sanitation practices as a notable contributing factor to the 2024 Listeria outbreak. Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS)’s inspection personnel noted the following instances of noncompliance:
· Product Residue: Inspectors identified the presence of meat and fat residue from the previous day’s production on equipment, including packaging equipment and in the RTE processing area during preoperational sanitation checks.
· Condensation: Inspectors identified multiple instances of condensation in the RTE environment (e.g., dripping condensate on exposed product and a fan blowing condensate directly on products).
· Structural and Facility Problems: Inspectors observed facility and structural-related issues (e.g., cracks, holes and broken flooring) that could hold moisture and contribute to wet conditions. Additional conditions documented included rust, beaded condensation, and peeling caulk.
In addition, FSIS assessed the Virginia plant and other Boar’s Head facilities for processes related to Listeria monocytogenes and corrected deficiencies for the short and long-term.
Next Steps
In Dec. 2024, FSIS released a protective measures update in light of growing Listeria outbreaks. Some of these same measures were outlined in the Boar's Head case review as actions to help strengthen the organization’s oversight. One overlap short-term action included leveraging the expertise of the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF).
A long-term action FSIS is taking includes enhancing its regulatory and sampling approach to Listeria.
The organization states its long-term vision to modernize its approach to Listeria monocytogenes will take “consistent commitment over the course of several years and will require significant stakeholder engagement and expertise to complete in a meaningful and comprehensive way.”
