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 following recent inspections that uncovered alarming sanitation problems. The concerns come as the company plans to reopen a Virginia facility linked to a deadly Listeria outbreak last year. According to a letter dated September 15, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and nine other Congress members noted reports of Boar's Head planning to reopen the Jarratt, Virginia, facility in the coming months. The plant was identified as the source of a Listeria outbreak that spanned May to September 2022, sickening at least 61 people across 19 states. "We are extremely concerned about the safety and quality control measures in place at Boar's Head facilities," DeLauro said in a statement. "The recent inspections have revealed disturbing sanitation issues that raise questions about the company's commitment to public health." Inspectors with the US Department of Agriculture found mold, condensation on ceilings, overflowing trash, meat residue caked onto equipment and walls, and employees failing to wash their hands at three Boar's Head facilities in August. The findings are similar to those made during a 2022 inspection that led to a recall of over 7 million pounds of meat. The Listeria outbreak linked to the Jarratt facility resulted in 60 hospitalizations and 10 deaths, prompting widespread concern about food safety regulations. "We need to ensure that companies like Boar's Head are held accountable for their actions," said Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), a co-signer of the letter. Boar's Head has faced criticism from lawmakers and consumer groups over its handling of the outbreak and subsequent inspections. The company has maintained that it is committed to food safety and quality control, but critics argue that recent developments raise questions about its ability to meet those standards. The US Department of Agriculture has declined to comment on the matter, citing ongoing investigations. Boar's Head officials have not responded to requests for comment. As the company prepares to reopen the Jarratt facility, lawmakers are urging regulators to take a closer look at Boar's Head's safety protocols and ensure that consumers are protected from potential contamination risks. "We need to get to the bottom of these sanitation issues and hold companies accountable," said Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), another co-signer of the letter. The fate of the Jarratt facility remains uncertain as lawmakers continue to scrutinize Boar's Head's operations. The company has not announced a specific reopening date, but industry insiders expect it to happen in the coming months. In related news, consumer advocacy groups are calling for increased transparency and accountability from food manufacturers and regulators in light of recent developments. "This is a wake-up call for companies like Boar's Head," said a spokesperson for the Center for Science in the Public Interest. "We need stronger regulations and more robust enforcement to protect public health." *Reporting by Arstechnica.*