Sometimes, the unexpected happens, and you have to make tough decisions. That’s precisely what Boar’s Head did this past Friday when they announced the indefinite closure of their Virginia manufacturing plant. And what stirred this drastic action, you ask? None other than a serious listeria outbreak.
Imagine strolling through your local deli, eyeing that favorite Boar’s Head liverwurst, unaware that somewhere, a team of people is dealing with one of the most significant listeria outbreaks since 2011. That’s the reality, folks.
Stepping Into Action
Boar’s Head, which is synonymous with quality meats in many American households, had no choice but to halt operations at their Jarratt, Virginia plant. This decision was not taken lightly. The outbreak linked to their deli meats, particularly liverwurst, was a cause for grave concern.
In late July, the facility was shutdown, and on August 8, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the grim numbers: 57 people infected in 18 states, 9 of whom sadly passed away. These numbers aren’t just statistics; they’re a stark reminder of the gravity of food safety.
Tough Decisions and Future Steps
Confronted with these facts, Boar’s Head had to shut the doors of the Jarratt plant indefinitely. But it didn’t stop there. They’re also waving goodbye to their liverwurst product for good. This decision comes after pinpointing the root cause of the contamination to a specific production process unique to the facility and product.
For many, this might feel like saying goodbye to an old friend who showed up at every picnic and family gathering, but safety standards have to evolve, and sometimes that means making tough calls.
In the wake of this, Boar’s Head is cranking up their food safety measures. They’re appointing a new chief food safety and quality assurance officer, reporting directly to the company’s president. Now, if this doesn’t scream commitment, I don’t know what does!
A Council of Experts
But Boar’s Head isn’t stopping there. They’re establishing a Boar’s Head Food Safety Council, consisting of top-notch independent food safety experts. This isn’t just a committee for show; they’ll be creating new benchmarks for food safety in the industry and advising the company’s freshly minted chief food safety officer.
These steps signal a strong commitment to reshaping food safety standards within Boar’s Head and across the industry. It’s a move towards ensuring that what lands on your deli counter is nothing short of top quality.
Looking Ahead
In times like these, it’s crucial to reflect on the importance of food safety and quality. Boar’s Head’s actions demonstrate their unwavering commitment to these principles, even if it means taking some beloved products off the shelves and rethinking their processes.
While it’s easy to get nostalgic about that trusty liverwurst, prioritizing health and safety is something we can all get behind. Boar’s Head is making strides to ensure their products remain synonymous with quality, even if the liverwurst must exit stage left.
So next time you walk past the deli, remember that behind those rows of neatly sliced meats are rigorous safety measures designed to protect you. Here’s to hoping that the new measures make your next bite safer and more delicious!
