Virginia Boar’s Head plant closing indefinitely after fatal listeria outbreak

JARRATT, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Boar’s Head plant linked to a fatal listeria outbreak is closing indefinitely, per the union for workers at the plant.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400 Union, which represents 35,000 food service and other workers in the eastern U.S., shared a statement on Friday after learning the news about the plant in Jarratt, Virginia.

“Everyone agrees this unprecedented tragedy was not the fault of the workforce, so it is especially unfortunate that the Jarratt plant must close indefinitely and put so many men and women out of work,” the statement reads in part.

Though the union says it has reached a deal with Boar’s Head that allows workers to either transfer to another Boar’s Head facility or receive a severance package “well above and beyond what is required under the law.”

“In the meantime, we will continue to meet the needs of our members to get them back on their feet, including coordinating with management and the state to provide job placement and other support services for those who choose not to remain with the company,” the union says.

At least nine people have died and dozens have been hospitalized in the wake of the listeria outbreak, including an 88-year-old Newport News man whose family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Boar’s Head. A Williamsburg woman has also sued after she says she fell ill from eating Boar’s Head meat.

Government inspectors say the Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt repeatedly violated federal regulations, with “black patches of mold” on the ceiling and “heavy discolored meat buildup.” The outbreak led to the company recalling more than seven million pounds of products.

The company has posted updates about the product recall at this link.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.