Boar’s Head is preparing to reopen its plant in Jarratt, Virginia, even though recent reports show ongoing sanitation problems at its other facilities. The company shut down the Virginia plant last year due to a deadly Listeria outbreak linked to contaminated liverwurst. Now, despite plans to bring it back online, inspection reports suggest that sanitation violations are still a concern at three other locations.

These reports come from inspections carried out between January and July at plants in Arkansas, Indiana, and Virginia. They paint a troubling picture of food safety lapses. Inspectors found mold growing in some areas, water leaking over food zones, and overflowing trash bins. There was also meat and fat residue buildup on walls and equipment, along with blocked drains filled with meat scraps and pooling meat juices. Staff were sometimes caught not wearing proper hairnets or aprons, and many failed to wash their hands.

Serious sanitation violations raise alarms

The inspection reports detail some pretty serious issues. At the Petersburg plant, officials found meat waste collecting beneath equipment—some reports mention several hams, large pieces of meat, and pools of meat juice just sitting on the floor. These problems aren’t new; they mirror previous violations at the Jarratt plant before the Listeria outbreak, which sickened 61 people across 19 states, hospitalized 60, and caused 10 deaths.

The outbreak happened between July and November last year and was linked to the company’s liverwurst. During the investigation, inspectors also documented bugs, blood puddles on floors, and dirty equipment. The company promised to improve its food safety measures, including creating a panel of experts like former FDA official Frank Yiannas and USDA food safety veteran Mindy Brashears to oversee changes.

Reopening plans face scrutiny despite USDA approval

The USDA cleared the Jarratt plant to reopen in July after the company claimed it had addressed the issues that led to its temporary shutdown. USDA officials said the plant now meets all safety guidelines and protocols, and the previous problems have been fixed. However, the inspection reports for the other plants raise questions about whether Boar’s Head is truly on top of its sanitation game.

The company has been tight-lipped about its efforts. It canceled an interview with the AP, refused to discuss the inspection results, and declined to let Yiannas share details from his internal investigation. In a statement, Boar’s Head claimed it remains committed to food safety and has recently upgraded its practices. The company also said it is working with the USDA to reopen the Jarratt plant carefully and in a controlled manner.

Expert opinions echo concerns. Barbara Kowalcyk, who leads the Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition Security at George Washington University, told the AP that the inspection reports suggest a “food safety culture problem” within the company. She warned that vulnerable populations, like older adults, should be cautious, as issues still seem to linger.

While Boar’s Head aims to bounce back and restore trust, these repeated sanitation violations highlight that serious work remains. Consumers should stay alert and keep an eye on how the company manages its food safety going forward.

Inspired by

• https://arstechnica.com/health/2025/08/boars-head-to-reopen-plant-as-mold-and-funky-meat-problems-pop-up-elsewhere/

Sources

• conde.digital
• cnevids.com
• apnews.com
• cdc.gov
• food-safety.com