Reopening of Boar's Head Deli Plant in Virginia, as sanitation issues linger at other facilities
The Boar's Head deli meat plant in Jarratt, Virginia, which was at the centre of a deadly Listeria outbreak in 2024, is set to reopen in the coming months. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) lifted the forced suspension on July 18, 2025, stating that the facility is in full compliance with food safety guidelines and that the issues leading to the suspension have been rectified [1][2][5].
However, an Associated Press investigation has revealed that similar sanitation problems have been found this year at three other Boar's Head plants, including the Petersburg facility [1]. Boar's Head declined to comment on these ongoing sanitation issues [1][3]. The company canceled an interview with its food safety officer and did not allow full disclosure of the contamination investigation led by an expert adviser [3].
The Jarratt plant's reopening has raised concerns about whether all sanitation problems have been fully resolved. Local officials in Greensville County, where Jarratt is located, have expressed optimism about the reopening, highlighting potential economic benefits and community stability with renewed manufacturing jobs [1].
The outbreak that began in July 2024 resulted in 10 deaths and sickened dozens more. In response, Boar's Head permanently stopped making liverwurst and recalled more than 7 million pounds of deli products in September 2024 [4]. The company has since taken steps to improve food safety, such as hiring a chief food safety officer and consulting expert advisers [3].
The new inspection findings cover Boar's Head sites in Forrest City, Arkansas; New Castle, Indiana; and Petersburg, Virginia. The records of these inspections raise questions about Boar's Head's promises to address systemic problems and about federal oversight of Listeria contamination in plants that make ready-to-eat foods [1].
Outside food safety advocates were surprised by the inspection findings, as they expected improved factory conditions since the outbreak was first identified [1]. The inspection reports detail repeated instances of dried fat and protein on equipment, stairs, and walls [1]. Boar's Head has stated that they regret the contamination and have implemented comprehensive measures to prevent such incidents in the future [3].
Despite the ongoing concerns, Boar's Head has posted job openings for two dozen positions, including a food safety quality analyst, at the Jarratt site [3]. The company's commitment to food safety and quality is reflected in recent enhancements to their practices and protocols [2].
Sources:
- AP News
- USDA Press Release
- Associated Press Investigation
- Food Safety News
- CDC Listeria Outbreak Investigation
- Despite potential sanitation issues in three other Boar's Head plants, including the Petersburg facility, as revealed by an Associated Press investigation, the company is pushing forward with job openings for various positions, including a food safety quality analyst, at the Jarratt plant.
- As Boar's Head deli meat plant in Jarratt, Virginia, prepares to reopen in the coming months, questions are raised about the company's commitment to food safety, particularly following the new inspection findings that detail repeated instances of dried fat and protein on equipment, stairs, and walls at several Boar's Head sites.
