Congressional Lawmakers Question Boar's Head Safety Amid Sanitation Concerns

Congressional Lawmakers Question Boar's Head Reopening Amid Sanitation Concerns A group of congressional lawmakers is expressing skepticism about the safety of Boar's Head deli meat plants after recent inspections revealed alarming sanitation problems at three facilities, including mold, condensation on ceilings, and employees failing to wash their hands. In a letter dated September 15, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and nine other Congress members questioned whether the company's plans to reopen its Jarratt, Virginia, facility, which was linked to a deadly Listeria outbreak last year, are feasible. The plant produced liverwurst products that were recalled in excess of 7 million pounds after at least 61 people across 19 states fell ill, with 60 hospitalized and 10 dying. The lawmakers noted that recent inspections at Boar's Head facilities in Virginia, Massachusetts, and New Jersey found numerous sanitation issues, including overflowing trash, meat residue on equipment and walls, and employees not washing their hands. "These findings raise serious concerns about the company's commitment to food safety," DeLauro said in a statement. Boar's Head officials have maintained that they are working to address the issues identified by inspectors. In a statement, the company said it is "fully cooperating with regulatory agencies" and has implemented measures to improve sanitation and employee hygiene practices. The Listeria outbreak at the Jarratt facility was one of the deadliest in recent U.S. history. Inspectors with the US Department of Agriculture had previously found dozens of sanitation violations at the plant, including evidence of rodent infestations and inadequate cleaning procedures. DeLauro and her colleagues are urging regulators to ensure that Boar's Head facilities meet strict food safety standards before they reopen. "We cannot afford to have another outbreak like this one," DeLauro said. The company has not yet announced a reopening date for the Jarratt facility, but industry insiders expect it to happen in the coming months. The congressional scrutiny and regulatory attention are likely to continue as Boar's Head works to address the sanitation concerns and reassure consumers that its products are safe. Background: The US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is responsible for ensuring that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe for human consumption. FSIS inspectors regularly visit facilities like Boar's Head to monitor sanitation practices and identify potential food safety risks. Additional perspectives: A spokesperson for the US Department of Agriculture said the agency is "working closely with Boar's Head" to address the sanitation concerns and ensure that the company meets regulatory requirements. A consumer advocacy group, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), has called on regulators to take a closer look at Boar's Head's safety record. "This outbreak was preventable," said CSPI spokesperson Michael F. Jacobson. Current status: The Jarratt facility remains closed pending further inspections and regulatory review. Boar's Head officials are working to address the sanitation concerns and implement measures to improve food safety practices. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*