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:
