Two years before a deadly listeria outbreak, federal inspectors identified serious health violations at a Boar’s Head facility, describing the situation as a serious risk to public safety. Notable problems included widespread rust, exposed deli meats under leaky ceilings, widespread green mold and structural damage such as holes in the walls.
Despite these alarming findings, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has decided not to take severe corrective measures, which could have ranged from issuing a formal notification to halting operations at the Jarratt, Virginia, plant.
Subsequent inspections revealed that many of these dangerous conditions had not been addressed, but the facility continued to operate, processing large quantities of beef and pork, including products such as pork liver.
The current situation raises significant concerns about the enforcement and regulatory oversight needed to ensure food safety, as the continued operation of the plant has now been linked to serious health risks and a public health crisis.
