Boar’s Head has announced significant operational changes to strengthen its food safety protocols after a Listeria outbreak linked to its Virginia facility led to a widespread recall. The company has appointed a new Chief Food Safety and Quality Assurance Officer and established the Boar’s Head Food Safety Council. This new council, which includes leading experts Dr. David Acheson, Dr. Mindy Brashears, Dr. Martin Wiedmann, and Frank Yiannas, will guide the company in developing best-in-class food safety practices.
The Listeria contamination, traced to a specific process at the Jarratt, Virginia plant, primarily affected liverwurst production. Following the outbreak, which resulted in the recall of 7 million pounds of product, at least nine deaths, and over 50 hospitalizations, Boar’s Head has made the decision to permanently discontinue liverwurst production and indefinitely close the Jarratt facility. The company expressed deep regret over the impact on its workforce and committed to providing support to the affected employees during this difficult transition.
