The Bowers Head plant at the center of a deadly listeria outbreak is closing

The Bowers Head plant at the center of a deadly listeria outbreak in the US is closing.

Some meat and poultry products produced at plants in Jarrett, Virginia, and distributed in several states have been linked to nine deaths and 57 hospitalizations, according to the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control.

In addition to closing its doors, Boar's Head will permanently cease production of liverwurst, which was the product at the center of the company's initial recall in July.

Boers Head announced the news in a press release on Friday.

“Given the seriousness of the outbreak and its origins, we have taken the difficult decision to close this location indefinitely, which has not been operational since the end of July 2024,” Bowers Head said. “It is painful for us to affect the livelihoods of hundreds of hard-working employees. We do not take our responsibility as the largest employer in the area lightly. But, under these circumstances, we feel that closing a plant is the most prudent course of action. We are working to support each of our employees in the transition process. will.”

“This is a dark moment in our company's history, but we want to use this as an opportunity to improve food safety programs not only for our company, but for the industry as a whole,” Bowers Head said.

The deli meat company said it worked closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state government regulatory agencies on the investigation.

It was determined that the root cause of the contamination was “a specific manufacturing process that existed only at the Jarratt facility and was used only for liverwurst,” Bowers Head said.

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A recall for listeria concerns was originally announced on July 26, and included Boar's Head ready-to-eat liverwurst products produced between June 11 and July 17. The recall was extended a few days later to include a further 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat. Eating meat and poultry products.

The recalled liverwurst products were branded as “Boars Head Strasburger Brand Liverwurst Made in Virginia.” They are available in plastic-wrapped 3.5-pound loaves or fresh-sliced ​​packages at the local deli Sale dates range from July 25 to August 30

The expansion covers 71 additional products packaged between May 10, 2024 and July 29, 2024. Affected products have a sell-by date from 29-JUL-2024 to 17-OCT-24. A complete list of affected products is available on USDA's website.

Boar's Head said it is now implementing enhanced food safety and quality measures, including the appointment of a new chief food safety and quality assurance officer, a role for which the company is actively recruiting. The company said it will also establish a Boar's Head Food Safety Council comprised of independent food safety experts and develop an enhanced company-wide food safety program.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400 union, which represents workers at the Boar's Head plant in Jarratt, said it has reached an agreement with Boar's Head to support workers affected by the closing.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the company that will provide our members the opportunity to transfer to other major swine facilities or accept a severance package beyond what is required by law,” the union said in a message. Statement “In the meantime, we will continue to meet the needs of our members to get them back on their feet, including coordinating with management and the state to provide job placement and other support services for those who do not want to stay with the company.” It said.

Listeria

According to the CDC, Listeria bacteria can contaminate many foods. Those who eat the food can become infected with germs and become ill. Infection is rare, but serious.

The CDC says people who are 65 or older, pregnant or have weakened immune systems are especially at risk of getting sick from listeria.

Experts say people at high risk of serious listeria infections should reheat their deli meat to 165 degrees before eating it.

Officials are urging customers to check their refrigerators for any recalled products and throw them away. Surfaces that may come into contact with deli meat products should be thoroughly cleaned.

“Listeria is a bacteria that can spread relatively easily in food processing facilities or deli counters. It can spread on other contaminated food, equipment or food that touches surfaces,” Dr. Steven Fuhr, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, told Scripps News. “Meat And refrigeration of foods like cheese doesn't kill listeria, and it can grow in deli cases or in your refrigerator at home.”

Anyone experiencing symptoms of listeria illness, including fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures, should contact their healthcare provider.

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