• Newly revealed USDA inspection records show chronic sanitation violations at several Boar's Head deli meat facilities.
• Inspections documented issues like mold, insects, unidentified slime, and unsanitary meat handling, dating back six years.
• The problems echo previous concerns raised at the now-closed Jarratt, Virginia, plant linked to a listeria outbreak that claimed ten lives.
• Boar's Head faces scrutiny, lawsuits, and calls for stronger public trust in light of these findings.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently disclosed alarming inspection records indicating unsanitary conditions across multiple Boar’s Head deli meat plants, suggesting sanitation issues extend beyond the facility shut down last year after a tragic listeria outbreak. Reports from plants in New Castle, Indiana, Forrest City, Arkansas, and Petersburg, Virginia have surfaced, citing long-standing violations including meat residue in machinery, unidentifiable slime, and the presence of insects and mold, with documentation dating back approximately six years. Earlier inspections identified similar violations at the Jarratt, Virginia facility that was implicated in the deadly food poisoning incident.

Notably, one inspector recorded an instance of “general filth” in May at the Indiana location, leading to further public scrutiny. In a series of troubling observations throughout the years, inspectors noted equipment caked with remnants from production, excess moisture dripping onto food items, and mold growth on surfaces. The USDA documents also highlight concerns of flaking paint and puddles of blood within production areas, showcasing a consistent pattern of neglect across these plants.

Following the release of these records, Boar's Head officials acknowledged that these violations "do not meet our high standards," asserting that their facilities continue to operate under strict USDA oversight. However, they face multiple lawsuits stemming from the outbreak which claimed over 60 victims across 19 states, resulting in ten fatalities. Information from health officials confirmed that the outbreak was linked to a contaminated liverwurst product, prompting a recall of more than 7 million pounds of deli meats and poultry. Despite these serious allegations, records from a fourth facility in New Holland, Michigan showed no similar problems.

“The conditions revealed at the other Boar's Head plants are really concerning,” stated Thomas Gremillion, director of food policy at the Consumer Federation of America. “It's reasonable for some people to decide they don’t want to eat deli meat. Companies like Boar's Head should have to earn consumers’ trust.” This sentiment resonates with many, especially the family members of victims like Garett Dorman, who lost his mother to listeria after consuming Boar's Head products. His calls for the company to enhance its food safety standards signify serious underlying public discontent.

In light of these violations, lawmakers such as Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Rosa DeLauro have criticized the USDA for not enforcing stricter measures. The reports have prompted investigations by the USDA Inspector General and potential inquiries by the U.S. Department of Justice into whether criminal actions are warranted.

As the USDA pledges new measures to enhance food safety, including broader testing and increased inspections, Boar's Head aims to restore its reputation by hiring a “food safety culture manager.” The company's commitment to making necessary changes is crucial if it hopes to regain consumer confidence following this distressing chapter in its history. [Independent] [CBS News] [Time] [The Hill]