Boar’s Head Shuts Down Virginia Plant Amid Deadly Listeria Outbreak
Closure devastates small town of Jarratt, impacting 500 workers and local economy
- Boar’s Head has indefinitely closed its Jarratt, Virginia plant due to a listeria outbreak linked to nine deaths and 57 hospitalizations across 18 states.
- The company has permanently discontinued its liverwurst product, which was identified as the source of the contamination.
- USDA inspectors found numerous health violations at the plant, including mold, insects, and unsanitary conditions, leading to the recall of over 7 million pounds of deli meats.
- The shutdown has left 500 workers unemployed, severely impacting the local economy of Jarratt, a town with a population of just 637.
- Boar’s Head is appointing new food safety officials and establishing a safety council to prevent future incidents.