Gross New Details On Plant Linked To Deadly Listeria Outbreak

A Boar's Head deli meat plant linked to a deadly listeria outbreak was reported to have repeatedly violated federal regulations, which included the presence of mold, insects, liquid dripping from ceilings, a puddle of blood and meat and fat residue on walls, floors and equipment, according to newly released records obtained by the Associated Press .

The Virginia plant, which has been linked to the deaths of at least nine people and the hospitalization of about 50 others in 18 states, was logged for 69 total incidents of "noncompliance" with federal rules that occurred during the past year, including several in recent weeks, according to the documents, which were shared publicly through federal Freedom of Information Act requests . Inspections at the meat plant were suspended as it will remain closed “until the establishment is able to demonstrate it can produce safe product," U.S. Agriculture Department officials announced in a statement obtained by the AP on Thursday (August 29).

More than 7 million pounds of Boar's Head products have been recalled within the last month after tests confirmed that listeria bacteria was present. Inspectors found "heavy discolored meat buildup" and "meat overspray on walls and large pieces of meat on the floor" at the Virginia meat plant between August 1, 2023, and August 2, 2024, according to the documents.

Flies were reported to be "going in and out" of pickle vats and "black patches of mold" were reported on a ceiling, while one inspector spotted blood puddled on the floor, as well as "a rancid smell in the cooler." Plant staff was repeatedly notified that the facility failed to meet requirements, according to the documents.

“I think it is disgusting and shameful,” said Garshon Morgenstein , whose 88-year-old father, Gunter , died in July from listeria infection after consuming Boar's Head liverwurst, via the AP . “I’m just even more in shock that this was allowed to happen.”