Boar’s Head is closing the Virginia plant that was at the center of a deadly listeria outbreak, describing the decision as a “dark moment in our company’s history.”
The delicatessen plant also revealed that it will permanently discontinue production of liver pate, which was the product at the center of the scandal in July.
“Given the severity of the outbreak and the fact that it originated in Jarratt, we have made the difficult decision to indefinitely close this establishment, which has not been operational since late July 2024,” Boar’s Head said in a statement Friday.
The closure will affect up to 200 employees at the plant, the New York Times reports.
Boar’s Head to close Virginia plant at center of deadly listeria outbreak
“It pains us to have to impact the livelihood of hundreds of hard-working employees. We do not take our responsibility as one of the area’s largest employers lightly.
“However, under these circumstances, we believe that closing the plant is the most prudent course of action. We will work to assist each of our employees in the transition process.”
The contamination occurred specifically in the liver pate production process at the Jarratt facility, and no other products were affected.
The contamination occurred specifically in the liver pate production process at the Jarratt facility, and no other products were affected.
This prompted a massive recall of products over listeria concerns on July 26, including liver pate produced between June 11 and July 17.
The outbreak was later linked to nine deaths and 57 hospitalizations in different states.
The plant described the incident and the subsequent decision to close its doors as a “dark moment in the history of our company.”
Boar’s Head vowed to use this as a lesson and an “opportunity to improve food safety… for the entire industry.”
More to come