Blood Puddles, Meat Spray: Boar’s Head Nightmare Exposed!

A Boar’s Head deli plant in Virginia has been linked to a deadly listeria outbreak, which has claimed the lives of at least nine people and hospitalized over 50 others across 18 states. The disturbing conditions within the Jarratt, Virginia, facility have recently come to light, painting a grim picture of a plant plagued by serious health violations and unsanitary practices.

According to records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, the Jarratt plant has repeatedly violated federal health regulations over the past year. A staggering 69 cases of “noncompliance” were documented, each one a potential contributor to the deadly contamination. Among the most shocking revelations were reports of “blood in puddles on the floor” and “a rancid smell in the cooler,” according to CNN.

These infractions were not isolated incidents but rather part of a pattern of negligence that spanned months. The Associated Press noted that many of these violations were recorded in recent weeks, just before the facility was finally shut down in July. The plant’s closure came too late for those who had already fallen ill from consuming deli meats produced by Boar’s Head.

The outbreak has been linked to products such as turkey, liverwurst, ham, and other deli meats, all of which have since been recalled by the company. Over 7 million pounds of these products were pulled from shelves in July after tests confirmed the presence of listeria bacteria. The recalled items include products with “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” printed on their USDA inspection labels, some with sell-by dates extending into October 2024.

The conditions inside the plant were appalling. In addition to the blood-stained floors and foul odors, inspectors found dead and alive insects throughout the facility, mold growing on doors, ceilings, and near hand-washing sinks, and large pieces of meat strewn across the floor. Some areas were described as having “heavy discolored meat buildup,” and walls were reportedly splattered with “meat overspray,” as reported by the Associated Press.

This outbreak has been described as the largest listeria outbreak since 2011, when a similar crisis occurred involving contaminated cantaloupe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are urging consumers to check their kitchens for any of the recalled products and dispose of them immediately.

The human toll of this outbreak is tragic. Among the victims was 88-year-old Gunter Morgenstein, a Holocaust survivor who died after consuming Boar’s Head liverwurst. “I think it is disgusting and shameful,” said his son, Garshon Morgenstein, reflecting on the loss of his father due to the plant’s negligence. Another victim, 88-year-old Sue Fleming, was hospitalized for nine days and spent 11 more in a rehabilitation center after eating the contaminated deli meat. She and her husband have since decided to sue Boar’s Head, stating, “We wanted no one else to be harmed.”

Boar’s Head has since issued a statement acknowledging the contamination at the Virginia plant and expressing regret for the outbreak. “We deeply regret the impact this recall has had on affected families. No words can fully express our sympathies and the sincere and deep hurt we feel for those who have suffered losses or endured illness,” the company said.

The company emphasized that the contamination appears to be limited to a single process at the Jarratt plant, where their liverwurst is made. They also noted that they are working closely with the USDA and other regulatory agencies to determine how this lapse occurred and to prevent future incidents.

The Jarratt plant will remain closed until it can meet federal safety standards, ensuring that no more lives are endangered by its products. In the meantime, the investigation continues, with families and consumers across the country awaiting answers and justice.