DA Faces Scrutiny Over Handling of Boar's Head Listeria Outbreak

An internal investigation has been launched into the USDA's response to repeated violations at a Virginia plant linked to a deadly listeria outbreak.

The USDA's inspector general is investigating the agency's handling of violations at Boar's Head's Virginia plant, following a listeria outbreak that resulted in 10 deaths and 59 hospitalizations across 19 states.
Senator Richard Blumenthal criticized the USDA for allowing the plant to operate despite repeated findings of serious health violations, including mold, mildew, and insects.
The Boar's Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia, was closed in September, but lawmakers argue it should have been shut down much earlier to prevent the outbreak.
The investigation will assess whether federal and state inspectors properly addressed the noncompliance issues and if the USDA's processes effectively reduce the risk of contaminated food entering the supply chain.
Lawmakers have urged the Justice Department to consider criminal charges against Boar's Head, and several lawsuits, including a wrongful death suit, have been filed against the company.