At least 10 people died and nearly 50 were hospitalized in 19 states since May after eating listeria-contaminated Boar's Head products.
This sign marks the entrance of the Boar's Head processing plant that was tied to a deadly food poisoning outbreak Thursday Aug. 29, 2024, in Jarratt, Va. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said that USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong is looking into whether federal investigators and Virginia state inspectors responded appropriately to dozens of reports of problems at the factory, including mold, insects, dripping water and meat and fat residue on walls, floors and equipment.
Officials with Fong's office did not immediately confirm the investigation. Blumenthal declined to release the agency's response. He said the internal investigation would evaluate the handling of recurrent problems and whether state inspections properly reduced the risk of tainted products entering the food supply.
The Boar's Head plant was inspected under a program that allows state inspectors to act on behalf of the federal agency. In addition to the internal investigation, Blumenthal and Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro last month asked the Justice Department to investigate whether criminal charges were warranted.
Officials with USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service have refused to share documents regarding the agency's inspections and enforcement at the plant, plus inspection reports from eight other company factories across the country. The agency denied Freedom of Information Act requests submitted by The Associated Press, saying releasing the records could "interfere with" and "hinder" potential law enforcement investigations. The AP is appealing the denial.
Investigation Listeria Boar's Head Outbreak Food Safety Inspection Virginia
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Boar's Head faces legal scrutiny over deadly deli meat listeria outbreak: USDAThe deli meat company Boar's Head is being scrutinized by law enforcement officials over a deadly outbreak of listeria food poisoning.
Read more »
Boar's Head faces legal scrutiny over deadly deli meat listeria outbreak: USDAThe deli meat company Boar's Head is being scrutinized by law enforcement officials over a deadly outbreak of listeria food poisoning.
Read more »
Boar's Head faces legal scrutiny over deadly deli meat listeria outbreak, USDA saysThe deli meat company Boar's Head is being scrutinized by law enforcement officials over a deadly outbreak of listeria food poisoning.
Read more »
USDA Withholds Documents On Boar's Head Food Poisoning InvestigationThe USDA has refused to release documents regarding their inspections and enforcement at the Boar’s Head plant, citing a potential law enforcement purpose. The agency withheld records including inspection reports from eight other factories across the U.S., claiming their release could “interfere with” and “hinder” the government's investigation into a deadly listeria outbreak linked to the company.
Read more »
USDA cut back on listeria testing nationwide, ahead of deadly Boar's Head outbreakOfficials claim the changes 'had no bearing' on Boar's Head's now-shuttered plant.
Read more »
Boar's Head faces legal scrutiny over deadly deli meat listeria outbreak, USDA saysThe 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.
Read more »