The 2024 Listeria Outbreak: What Happened?
In July 2024, Boar's Head faced a major crisis when a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak was traced back to its production facility in Jarratt, Virginia. The incident began with a recall of liverwurst products but quickly expanded to include millions of pounds of various deli meats produced at the same plant between May and July 2024. The outbreak tragically resulted in 61 illnesses, 60 hospitalizations, and 10 deaths across 19 states. Following intense scrutiny and mounting lawsuits, the company made the difficult decision to permanently close the Virginia plant, which was identified as the source of the contamination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) later declared the outbreak over in November 2024.
Inadequate Sanitation and Regulatory Oversight
A USDA report on the outbreak revealed that inadequate sanitation practices at the Jarratt facility were a major contributing factor. Inspectors had documented numerous instances of "noncompliance" in the weeks and months leading up to the recall, including sightings of insects, mold, and unsanitary conditions. These issues pointed to systemic failures that allowed Listeria to persist and spread, infecting products intended for the public.
Boar's Head's Response and Rebuilding Consumer Trust
In the wake of the devastating outbreak, Boar's Head launched a comprehensive initiative to overhaul its food safety procedures and regain consumer confidence. These measures include:
- Adopting the USDA's Alternative 2 Listeria control requirements, which utilize high-pressure and water pasteurization to inhibit bacterial growth.
- Intensifying environmental monitoring and increasing Listeria sampling across all facilities to enable faster detection and response.
- Strengthening sanitation protocols with bolstered daily cleaning, third-party training, and regular audits.
- Retraining all team members on updated food safety procedures.
- Piloting advanced smart tags to track critical safety data, such as temperature, throughout the supply chain.
- Establishing an Independent Food Safety Advisory Council composed of leading industry experts to provide guidance.
The Role of Regulatory Agencies
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) also committed to enhancing its oversight protocols to prevent future incidents. This included revising inspection procedures to better identify systemic sanitation problems. While the official outbreak is over and the problematic plant is closed, investigations by the USDA and Department of Justice are ongoing, and several lawsuits are still active.
How Safe is Boar's Head Now? A Comparative Look
Choosing a deli meat involves balancing taste, quality, and health considerations. Here's a comparison of Boar's Head products before and after the 2024 recall, alongside a competitor like Dietz & Watson.
| Feature | Boar's Head (Post-2024 Recalls) | Boar's Head (Pre-2024 Recalls) | Dietz & Watson (Post-2024 Recalls) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Safety | Enhanced protocols, including pasteurization and increased testing | Protocol failures in one facility led to widespread contamination | Established reputation for food safety, though all deli meats carry risk |
| Ingredients | Continues to use whole muscle meats, spices, and no fillers | Premium, quality ingredients were the standard | Utilizes natural ingredients, but some products have more additives |
| Sodium Options | Extensive line of lower-sodium, low-sodium, and no-salt-added products | Always offered low-sodium options to meet health needs | Offers some low-sodium alternatives |
| Certifications | SQF-certified, adheres to GFSI standards | Certifications were in place, but enforcement failed in one location | Also holds industry certifications for quality |
Note: All deli meat, regardless of brand, carries a potential risk of Listeria contamination. High-risk groups should always follow reheating guidelines.
For At-Risk Individuals and Safe Handling
For healthy individuals, the overall risk of Listeria from deli meats is low, and Boar's Head has implemented significant improvements. However, for those at higher risk—including pregnant individuals, the elderly (over 65), and those with compromised immune systems—deli meat still presents a risk due to Listeria's ability to grow in refrigerated conditions. The CDC and USDA recommend that these individuals heat deli meats to an internal temperature of 165°F until steaming hot before consumption.
Conclusion: Assessing the Current Safety of Boar's Head
While the 2024 Listeria outbreak was a severe failure of food safety, Boar's Head's response has been comprehensive and aggressive. The company permanently closed the source facility, invested in advanced technologies and protocols, and implemented a cultural shift toward heightened safety. With the outbreak officially declared over and significant enhancements in place, Boar's Head is safe for most healthy consumers. However, for vulnerable populations, the general guidelines of heating deli meat remain the safest course of action, regardless of the brand. Consumers should also remember that a premium brand name is not a substitute for proper food handling and personal safety precautions.
