According to a recent release by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak of listeriosis attributed to Boar’s Head deli meats has risen to 57 confirmed cases, all requiring hospitalization and including nine fatalities. Following epidemiologic investigations, Boar’s Head ultimately recalled 7 million pounds of deli meat in a series of actions.
Of 44 patients interviewed, 41 reported consuming deli-sliced meats with either or both liverwurst or the Boar’s Head brand identified. Health authorities in Maryland and New York have isolated the infectious strain of Listeria monocytogenes in unopened containers of liverwurst. Commonality of strains from patients, and unopened products are homologous as determined by whole genome sequencing.
It is evident that far more cases of listeriosis will and have occurred as a result of consuming contaminated product. Among this cohort, the immunosuppressed, elderly and pregnant were the most susceptible and if demonstrating symptoms requiring medical treatment, microbiological examination to confirm the diagnosis would have been performed. Current news reports indicate that “The infection is spreading”. This is factually incorrect, since listeriosis is not contagious. Since the infection may have an incubation period of up to 70 days, incident cases are emerging despite the series of recalls in July.
The reality that infected product was sliced at deli counters in numerous supermarkets represents an additional problem beyond primary contamination. Transfer of organisms from Boar’s Head product emanating from the Jarratt plant to slicers and the environment of deli stations must have occurred. This could have resulted in secondary contamination of other cold cuts distributed from multiple locations. Cleaning of slicers to eliminate Listeria infection is a complicated process as evidenced by the Listeria outbreak attributed to a Maple Leaf Foods plant during 2008.
An egregious aspect of the case is the fact that between August 2023 and 2024 four inspections of the Jarratt, VA. plant by USDA-FSIS documented 69 non-compliances and disclosed deviations from acceptable processing practices. These included:
- Heavy discolored meat buildup and meat overspray on walls
- Large pieces of meat on floors
- Black patches of mold on a ceiling
- Blood puddled on the floor
Following suspension of inspection the Jarratt plant has ceased operation. The question arises as to why the USDA failed to act expeditiously to protect the health of consumers.
The deficiencies as observed in the Jarratt plant certainly contributed to the problem although it is recognized that even “clean” plants operated in accordance with acceptable standards may be a source of Listeria. The pathogen can persist in niches including drains, work surfaces and on processing and packaging equipment. It is questioned if Boar’s Head management knowing the risk of Listeria contamination was implementing a microbiological surveillance program and whether the genus was detected. This should have been subject to USDA review and verification during inspections irrespective of other obvious violations.
The marketing, legal and financial consequences of this case may be so severe that the family-held ownership and structure may be changed as in the case of Blue Bell Creamery involved in a multistate Listeria outbreak in 2015. The Boar’s Head brand is now seriously degraded. Their marketing program developed over decades in partnership with supermarkets and other outlets has evaporated.
It is inconceivable how a prominent and long-established company supplying cold cuts, could be indifferent or negligent to the risk of Listeria infection and its consequences. It is also difficult to understand the lack of action by the USDA. This case certainly strengthens the justification for an independent food safety agency since this episode and the 2023 baby formula crisis under the FDA suggests that consumers are not protected.