Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Food Safety,Listeria,Our Blog on August 12, 2025
The infamous Boar’s Head Jarratt plant is slated to reopen in the coming months. You know. The one plastered across the news last year as the source of a deadly Listeria outbreak linked to their deli meat products. The one where a volume of health violations was uncovered, reminiscent of a horror movie setting.
That’s the one.
Boar’s Head Provision Company, Inc and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials say that the facility is now in full compliance and the issues leading to the Listeria outbreak in 2024 have been rectified.
The Boar’s Head Jarratt plant officially shuttered its doors following a forced suspension in September 2024. At the time, it sounded like the state of the facility was too far gone to reopen.
The words, “closed indefinitely” were expressed.
As it turns out, “indefinitely” does not mean permanently.
Recently posted job openings confirm that suspicion prior to the announcement. Around two dozen jobs have been posted for the Boar’s Head Jarratt factory. One of which is for a food safety quality analyst.
USDA officials have announced that after they have “thoroughly reviewed” the plant, the forced suspension of the Boar’s Head Jarratt Factory has been lifted as of July 18, 2025.
Are you skeptical?
If so, you are not alone.
In addition to concerns about the Jarratt plant, reports from other Boar’s Head plants demonstrate continued disregard of health and safety. Inspection reports obtained through a freedom of information act request show several other facilities have been cited for some of the same violations as the Jarratt plant last year.
Violations that likely contributed to serious Listeria contamination, countless infections, and many deaths.
Last summer, people began falling sick with Listeria infections. In the first published reports of the outbreak, 28 people were hospitalized for their infection. One woman who was sick during her pregnancy fortunately remained pregnant after recovering from her illness.
Two deaths were initially reported.
Shortly after another update was published with more illnesses, more hospitalization, and more deaths.
In all, at least 61 people tested positive for the outbreak strain across 19 states. Infections were so severe that all but one case required hospitalization. There were 10 deaths associated with this outbreak.
One would think that after such a historic Listeria outbreak, the Boar’s Head company would be extra vigilant and keep their metaphorical noses clean.
But one would be wrong.
At least based on recent reports of sanitation problems at other Boar’s Head factories.
Findings such as drains blocked with meat products, meat and fat residue on equipment and walls, overflowing trash cans, and beaded condensation on ceilings and floors of production rooms “directly over the food contact surfaces of tables and conveyor belts.”
Rusting meat racks and discarded meat with a “large quantity of pooling meat juice” were also observed in processing rooms.
Additionally, other staff problems were observed. For example, staff were observed working without protective hairnets or plastic aprons. Some were even witnessed skipping important hand washing activities.
It makes a person wonder. How will the public actually perceive this come-back? Has the trust been forever broken? Or do consumers assume that if the USDA says that they are good to go, that everything is fine.
My thoughts are on the latter. However misplaced it might be.
We put a lot of trust in those who prepare our food.
We expect that the food we purchase and eat are free from adulteration and hamful factors. That as long as we handle the food safely, we won’t get sick if we eat it.
In a perfect world, that is exactly how it should be. But unfortunately, we do not live in that perfect world. We live in a world where despite extreme scrutiny, Boar’s Head deli meat facilities are still unsanitary, processing surfaces still risky, and despite all this evidence, the regulatory body that is meant to keep us safe is still giving a green flag.
I, on the other hand, am cautiously suspicious.
Listeria infections can be quite dangerous. Especially for those in certain demographics. People who are more likely to become sick if exposed and more likely to experience serious illness if infected.
This deadly bacterial infection not only impacts people, but can also present certain complications associated with a pregnancy.
These people include:
Listeria infection symptoms are a bit tricky. Symptoms vary based on whether a person is pregnant or not. Those who are pregnant often experience milder symptoms, though the bigger risk is to their fetus or newborn.
Intestinal illness is the most common form of listeriosis. This type of Listeria infection is limited to the digestive system.
Symptoms often include vomiting and diarrhea that often begins within 24 hours of consuming contaminated food and lasts around 1 to 3 days.
Most people with this type of listeriosis recover on their own and don’t need antibiotic treatment Most people treat symptoms by keeping hydrated until the illness passes. Those in the higher risk groups may need medical treatment and antibiotics to recover.
Intestinal listeriosis may evolve to a more invasive illness.
Pregnant people may experience fever, fatigue, and muscle aches when intestinal illness develops into invasive illness. However, becoming sick with listeriosis while pregnant increases the chance of still birth, premature delivery, miscarriage, or life-threatening infection of their newborn.
Invasive illness symptoms for those who are not pregnant often include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Fever and muscle aches are also possible.
If you or a loved one have become sick from eating deli meat or diagnosed with a Listeria infection, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Feeling better is your first priority. Listeria infections can turn serious very quickly. Seek medical attention right away if you are experiencing symptoms. Especially if you are pregnant.
The legal process to cover medical bills, missed time from work, and other burdens associated with foodborne illness can be overwhelming. An experienced Listeria Lawyer can help you through this difficult process.
Reach out to a Listeria Lawyer as soon as you can to help.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has recovered millions of dollars for families with cases just like yours. With a specialty in contamination, products liability, and food safety cases, you can trust the Listeria lawyers of The Lange Law Firm, PLLC to navigate this complicated legal process on your behalf.
They know the questions to ask, the information to obtain, and how to build your case. Their compassionate team will help you through this unfortunate situation and get you the justice you deserve.
Don’t wait! Contact The Lange Law Firm, PLLC today!
Call (833) 330-3663 or click here to fill out an online submission form to get started today with a free consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)