Current:Home > Markets'Never gotten a response like this': Denial of Boar's Head listeria records raises questions -AssetVision
'Never gotten a response like this': Denial of Boar's Head listeria records raises questions
View
Date:2025-04-16 13:41:25
A "law enforcement" investigation is likely underway in the multi-state Boar's Head listeria outbreak, based on notices USA TODAY received Thursday and Friday.
The 19-state outbreak has hospitalized 59, including 10 deaths, and the existence of a legal investigation, which USA TODAY learned about through rejected and redacted records requests, likely indicates inquiries for criminal or civil proceedings are in progress, said food safety attorney Bill Marler.
"In my 31 years of dealing with (U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service), I've never gotten a response like this," said Marler, who previously called for a congressional hearing into the situation. The investigation could be looking into the conduct of the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspectors in addition to Boar's Head, he said.
The listeria outbreak was first reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on July 19, prompting product recalls from Boar's Head and an investigation between Boar's Head, FSIS, the CDC and other agencies.
Inspection records obtained via USA TODAY Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests previously showed that conditions in the Jarratt, Virginia Boar's Head facility where the outbreak originated were noted as subpar dating back at least to 2022. The documents reported the presence of mold and mildew, insects both dead and alive, leaking water, rust and other deficiencies "that could pose imminent threat to product."
The Jarratt, Virginia plant has since been permanently closed, leaving 500 people without jobs. Boar's Head has also discontinued the production of its liverwurst products, which were believed to be the source of the widespread listeria.
Government investigation into Boar's Head outbreak
USA TODAY became aware of the legal investigation when FSIS denied multiple records requests related to the outbreak, citing an exemption that protects from the disclosure of “records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes."
Under this exemption, records and information can be withheld if they are compiled for law enforcement purposes if the release of this information could "reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings," said the denial letter.
FSIS withheld nearly 400 pages of documents requested by USA TODAY, saying the premature release of included information could interfere with enforcement proceedings and "hinder the government’s ability to further control and shape the investigation."
As of now, U.S. officials would not comment on any ongoing investigation.
"Justice Department policy prohibits the confirmation or denial of the existence of an ongoing investigation," Brian McGinn, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, told USA TODAY.
FSIS and The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) did not immediately respond to request for comment. Boar's Head declined to comment as the company does not comment on legal matters.
Food safety experts, politicians call for listeria probe
Marler is not the only concerned party calling for a large-scale investigation.
On Thursday, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) called on the USDA and DOJ to consider criminal charges against Boar's Head and to strengthen USDA's Listeria prevention protocols.
“The time for action is long overdue, and we urge your agencies to work together to seek immediate justice for impacted consumers and to prevent this from happening again,” wrote Blumenthal and DeLauro in a press statement. “Moving forward, it is critical that the agency take this matter seriously and take the necessary steps to address the concerns raised by this outbreak."
veryGood! (25)
Related
- Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
- Report blames deadly Iowa building collapse on removal of bricks and lack of shoring
- Foreign Relations chair seeks answers from US oil firms on Russia business after Ukraine invasion
- With 4 months left until the caucus, Ron DeSantis is betting big on Iowa
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Prosecutors charge Wisconsin man of assaulting officer during Jan. 6 attack at US Capitol
- Trump may try to have his Georgia election interference case removed to federal court
- Gov. DeSantis and Florida surgeon general warn against new COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- This meteorite is 4.6 billion years old. Here's what it could reveal about Earth's creation
Ranking
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- Father files first-of-its-kind wrongful death suit against Maui, Hawaii over fires
- The 27 Most-Loved Wedding Gifts from Amazon With Thousands of 5-Star Reviews
- 11-year-old boy to stand trial for mother's murder
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Mother allegedly confined 9-year-old to home since 2017, had to 'beg to eat': Police
- Britney Spears Reveals How She Really Felt Dancing With a Snake During Her Iconic 2001 VMAs Performance
- The UK is rejoining the European Union’s science research program as post-Brexit relations thaw
Recommendation
Trump's 'stop
Gabon's coup leaders say ousted president is 'freed' and can travel on a medical trip
Grandmother of Ta'Kiya Young speaks out after pregnant woman fatally shot by police
Homicide suspect escapes from DC hospital, GWU students shelter-in-place for hours
Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
Danny Masterson Sentenced to 30 Years to Life in Prison in Rape Case
California lawmakers vote to fast-track low-income housing on churches’ lands
A whale of a discovery: Alabama teen, teacher discover 34-million-year-old whale skull