Boar's Head Tackles Food Safety Crisis with Sweeping Reforms

In a bold move to address a national, fatal listeriosis outbreak linked to its products, Boar's Head has announced a series of comprehensive measures aimed at strengthening its food safety protocols and regaining consumer trust. The company's decisive actions include the closure of its Jarratt, Virginia plant, the discontinuation of its liverwurst product, and the establishment of a new Food Safety Council comprising renowned industry experts.

Restoring Confidence in the Boar's Head Brand

Closing the Jarratt Facility and Discontinuing Liverwurst

Boar's Head has made the difficult decision to indefinitely close its Jarratt, Virginia plant, which was the source of the contaminated deli meat products linked to the listeriosis outbreak. The company has also announced the permanent discontinuation of its liverwurst product, which was the vehicle for the deadly pathogen. These bold moves demonstrate Boar's unwavering commitment to prioritizing food safety and regaining the trust of its customers.

Appointing a Chief Food Safety and Quality Assurance Officer

As part of its enhanced food safety and quality measures, Boar's Head has initiated the recruitment process for a new Chief Food Safety and Quality Assurance Officer (CFSO). This critical role will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of a comprehensive, companywide quality assurance program. The CFSO will work closely with the newly established Boar's Head Food Safety Council to ensure the highest standards of food safety are upheld throughout the supply chain.

Establishing the Boar's Head Food Safety Council

Boar's Head has assembled a prestigious Food Safety Council, comprising renowned experts in the field of food safety and public health. The council members, including Dr. David Acheson, Dr. Mindy Brashears, Dr. Martin Wiedmann, and Frank Yiannas, will serve as advisors to the company, providing guidance and expertise to support the implementation of enhanced quality assurance programs. This collaborative approach will enable Boar's Head to leverage the collective knowledge and experience of industry leaders to drive meaningful change and restore confidence in the brand.

Developing a Companywide Quality Assurance Program

Boar's Head is committed to addressing food safety standards and strengthening its food safety culture throughout the organization. Under the leadership of the new CFSO, the company will develop an enhanced, companywide quality assurance program in partnership with the Food Safety Council and other leading experts in the field. This comprehensive program will aim to identify and mitigate potential risks, while fostering a culture of food safety excellence across the entire Boar's Head supply chain.

Transparency and Accountability

As part of its commitment to transparency and accountability, Boar's Head has shared the July 31, 2024 USDA Notice of Suspension received by its Jarratt facility. This move demonstrates the company's willingness to openly address the issues that led to the listeriosis outbreak and its determination to learn from this experience to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Rebuilding Trust through Decisive Action

Boar's Head's decisive actions in response to the listeriosis outbreak reflect its unwavering commitment to food safety and its desire to regain the trust of its customers. By closing the Jarratt facility, discontinuing the liverwurst product, appointing a CFSO, establishing a Food Safety Council, and developing a comprehensive quality assurance program, the company is taking a proactive and holistic approach to addressing the root causes of the contamination and implementing robust safeguards to ensure the safety and quality of its products.As Boar's Head navigates this challenging period, its focus on transparency, accountability, and collaboration with industry experts will be crucial in rebuilding consumer confidence and positioning the brand as a leader in food safety. The company's willingness to make difficult decisions and invest in comprehensive reforms sends a clear message that the health and well-being of its customers are the top priorities.