The deli meat company Boar's Head is being scrutinized by law enforcement officials over a deadly outbreak of listeria food poisoning. U.S. Agriculture Department officials disclosed the action in response to requests for government records.
The CDC reports that a 10th person has died in connection with the Boar's Head deli meat recall.Officials with USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service refused to share documents regarding the agency's inspections and enforcement at the Boar's Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia, plus inspection reports from eight other company factories across the U.S.
The records - which FSIS acknowledged include dozens of pages of documentation - were withheld because they were compiled "for a law enforcement purpose, which includes both civil and criminal statutes," according to a letter sent Friday in response to Freedom of Information Act requests submitted by The Associated Press. Releasing the records could "interfere with" and "hinder" the government's investigation, the letter said.
Previously released records revealed problems including mold, insects, dripping water and meat and fat residue on walls, floors and equipment dating back at least two years. Boar's Head earlierFSIS officials did not respond to AP's emails seeking additional comment about the records. Justice Department officials declined to comment on potential legal actions against Boar's Head.
This week, Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Rosa DeLauro called on the Agriculture and Justice departments to "work closely" to determine whether to bring criminal charges against Boar's Head in connection with the crisis. In response, USDA's own internal investigators are reviewing the agency's work and will decide by the end of the year whether to open an inquiry, according to Blumenthal's office.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.10th person dies in connection to recalled Boar's Head meat: CDCDiddy indictment explained: Alleged 'Freak-offs,' drugs, prostitution
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