Boar’s Head Inspection Report Indicates 69 Violations, Including Unsanitary Conditions, Rotting Meat, and Pests

The recently published Boar’s Head Inspection Report is a 44-page document indicating 69 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) code violations over the past year. Most involving unsanitary conditions and rotting meat.

These conditions only came to light after a multi-state outbreak associated with Boar’s Head deli meat products sickened and killed consumers.

Serious Illnesses, Deaths Related to Consuming Boar’s Head Deli Meats

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating a Listeria outbreak associated with Boar’s Head Deli Meat products.

So far there have been 57 associated illnesses, including the 14 new cases added in the latest update on August 27, 2024. All patients required hospitalization.

One patient became sick during their pregnancy and remained pregnant after recovering.

Six more deaths have been reported. There are now nine total deaths so far.

Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak

57 Illnesses, all hospitalized

9 Deaths, 6 reported in last update

Two deaths have been reported in the state of South Carolina. Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Tennessee, and Virginia each have one reported death associated with this outbreak.

Illnesses have been reported across 18 states.

The actual number of people sickened in this outbreak is likely much higher than reported. Data is limited to states with known illnesses and patients sick enough to require medical attention. Those with mild illnesses that recover on their own without medical intervention are not tested for Listeria and not included in this outbreak data.

Additionally, it can take up to a month to determine if a sick patient is part of an outbreak. We may very well see this sad total rising.

Boar’s Head Inspection Report Reveals Big Problems

The recently published Boar’s Head inspection report reads like a gruesome manifesto. It outlines inspections over the past year, demonstrating a consistent absence of sanitary practices.

If you have the stomach to read its 44 page list of 69 violations, you can find it here.

Continue reading for the abridged version.

Just a few of the violations include:

• Fat and meat buildup on:
  • Equipment
  • Floor
  • Conveyor belts
  • Catwalks (on and below)
• Meat and trash found on:
  • Floors
  • On equipment
  • Scales
• Meat particles found on:
  • Floor
  • Equipment
  • Knife blades
  • Stainless steel tables
• Black mold-like substance in:
  • Coolers throughout the cold room
  • Storage areas
  • Pickle production area
• Condensation and leaked water on:
  • dry ingredients
  • uncovered ham
• Flies and insects observed in:
  • raw material cooler
  • storage areas
• Chipped paint on production room walls
• Condensation on door frames of coolers (leading to mildew)
• Standing water caused by meat-clogged drains in the floor
• Rusty equipment and equipment covers
• Puddles of blood on the floors of receiving room cooler
• Leaking ceilings in various places throughout the facility

Other Complaints Found in Boar’s Head Inspection Report

Other complaints paint a picture of neglect, gross contamination, and unsanitary conditions.

“A white plastic tote full of raw meat product was directly under a shelf with chipping paint. The tote was approximately 75% covered with plastic. On the plastic covering paint particles and what appeared to be metal shavings had collected.”

“Heavy discolored meat buildup was found on the pump itself, the inside covering, and built on the floor. Around the motor was meat, wood pieces, and plastic. When the cover was taken off, an obvious odor filled the department.”

“Condensation was dripping over product being held.”

“Flaky paint was located around the handwashing sinks and underneath the windows that are used to issue RTE garments.”

It is no surprise that people became sick. And very sad that some died of those illnesses.

What is Listeria?

Listeria, most commonly Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacteria causing human illness. This germ is responsible for a wide range of symptoms and complications including pregnancy loss and death.

It can take two forms. The first, being intestinal illness where infection remains within the gastrointestinal tract. The other, being invasive illness where bacteria migrate beyond the digestive system.

Intestinal Illness

The most common symptoms of listeriosis involve vomiting and diarrhea.

These symptoms often begin within 24 hours of consuming contaminated food. Symptoms generally last around 1 to 3 days.

Unless you are in a higher risk category (65 years or older, have a weakened immune system, pregnant), most people with listeriosis do not need antibiotic treatment and can simply treat symptoms and hydrate until the illness passes.

While intestinal symptoms can range from mild to severe, they can also evolve to more serious, invasive illnesses.

Invasive Illness

Invasive illness occurs when Listeria bacteria make their way beyond the digestive system and into other parts of the body. This form of listeriosis affects pregnant and non-pregnant people differently. These symptoms usually begin about 2 weeks after consuming contaminated food. In some cases, symptoms may not appear for 10 weeks.

Pregnant people generally experience milder personal symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. The main threat is associated with the unborn child. Listeriosis during pregnancy can lead to still birth, premature delivery, miscarriage, or life-threatening infection in the newborn.

People who are not pregnant often experience symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Fever and muscle aches are also possible symptoms. This type of illness can be serious and life-threatening.

1 in 20 non-pregnant people with invasive listeriosis will die.

Most people with invasive listeriosis require medical treatment, and often need hospitalization.

Public Health Advisory

The CDC advises people to not consume recalled deli meat products.

For those in higher risk groups (65 years or older, have a weakened immune system, pregnant) deli meat should always be avoided or heated until steaming prior to consuming.

Have You Become Sick from Consuming Boar’s Head Deli Meat Products?

If you have become sick from consuming Boar’s Head deli meat products you may have a legal case for financial compensation. The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Listeria lawyer that can help.

The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has helped many people with cases just like yours recover millions of dollars in product contamination and product liability lawsuits.

Call (833) 330-3663 or email for a free, no obligation consultation.

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)