It’s about time.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has initiated an internal investigation into its handling of significant food safety concerns at a Boar’s Head deli meat plant linked to a deadly listeria outbreak, according to Sen. Richard Blumenthal. The investigation, led by USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong, will examine how both federal and Virginia state inspectors responded to numerous reports of unsanitary conditions at the Virginia factory. These reports, dating back at least two years, detailed issues such as mold, insect infestations, water leaks, and meat residue, all of which posed a potential threat to food safety. The investigation follows a letter sent by Blumenthal on September 5 demanding action.
Blumenthal criticized the USDA for what he described as inaction, stating that despite the consistent findings of serious violations, the agency allowed the plant to continue operations. The plant’s unsafe conditions contributed to a listeria outbreak that resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people and nearly 50 hospitalizations across 19 states. The outbreak prompted Boar’s Head to recall over 7 million pounds of deli meat, including liverwurst, and to close the Jarratt, Virginia plant, where production of liverwurst was permanently halted.
While officials from Fong’s office have not yet confirmed the investigation, Blumenthal emphasized that it would assess whether ongoing problems were adequately addressed and whether state inspections were effective in mitigating risks. The Boar’s Head plant operated under a program that allows state inspectors to conduct inspections on behalf of the federal government.
In addition to the internal probe, Blumenthal and Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro have called on the Justice Department to investigate the potential for criminal charges related to the outbreak. Meanwhile, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has declined to release inspection documents, citing concerns that doing so could interfere with ongoing or future law enforcement investigations. The Associated Press has appealed the denial of its Freedom of Information Act request for these records.
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