USDA watchdog opening investigation into agency handling of Boar’s Head outbreak

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s internal watchdog has opened an investigation into the agency’s handling of violations at a Boar’s Head plant that led to a multi-state listeria outbreak, according to a Democratic lawmaker. 

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong is looking into how the agency handled numerous reports of alleged unsanitary conditions at the plant in Jarratt, Va., including mildew, insects and mold. 

USDA inspectors warned conditions at the Boar’s Head plant posed an “imminent threat” to public health as early as 2022, but there was no action taken by Boar’s Head or federal regulators.   

The outbreak has resulted in at least 10 deaths and nearly 60 hospitalizations across 19 states. Boar’s Head linked the outbreak to liverwurst deli meat, and said it would indefinitely close the plant and discontinue liverwurst permanently.   

The investigation comes after Blumenthal sent a letter to Fong last month asking for an investigation.  

“USDA took virtually no action—allowing Boar’s Head to continue business as usual at its chronically unsanitary Virginia plant—despite finding repeated serious violations. The Virginia plant should have been shut down years ago before people got sick or died from listeria,” Blumenthal said in a statement. “The IG investigation is a vital first step to assure accountability and prevent such deadly mistakes from happening again.” 

Fong’s office did not comment to confirm the investigation. 

Blumenthal said the investigation will determine if proper corrective and enforcement actions were implemented in this specific instance, and if the agency has an effective process to address broader recurring issues at state-inspected establishments. The Boar’s Head plant was inspected by state officials acting on behalf of the federal government.  

Aside from the inspector general’s investigation, Blumenthal and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) last month urged the Department of Justice to get involved and determine whether to criminally charge company officials.