Deli Meat Company in the center of Boar's Head, Deadly listeria food poisoning outbreakThe investigation is being conducted by law enforcement officials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture disclosed in response to government records requests.
Officials with USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service declined to share documents regarding the agency's inspections and enforcement. Boar's Head Plant in Jarrett, Virginia.As well as inspection reports from eight other company factories across the US.
According to a letter sent Friday in response to Freedom of Information Act requests, the records — which FSIS acknowledged include dozens of pages of documents — were withheld because they were “compiled for a law enforcement purpose.” , which includes both civil and criminal law”. By the Associated Press.
The letter said releasing the records could “interfere” and “hinder” the government's investigation.
The AP has sought records regarding the listeria outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention killed 10 people And at least 50 people in 19 states have become sick since May.
Listeria bacteria were initially found in samples of pig's head liverwurst and were later detected in people causing illnesses.
before this released records Problems were discovered including mold, insects, dripping water and meat and fat residue on walls, floors and equipment that was at least two years old.
Boar's Head is remembered more than ever 7 million pounds of deli meat Distributed in stores across the country.
This month, the Sarasota, Florida-based company said it has closed a Virginia plant and permanently stopped making liverwurst.
Boar's Head is facing multiple lawsuits filed by victims and their families.
FSIS officials did not respond to an email from the AP seeking additional comment about the records.
Justice Department officials declined to comment on possible legal actions against Boar's Head.
This week, Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Rosa DeLauro called on the Agriculture and Justice Departments to “work closely” to determine whether criminal charges should be brought against Boar's Head in connection with the crisis.
In response, USDA's own internal investigators are reviewing the agency's work and will decide by the end of the year whether to launch an investigation, according to Blumenthal's office.
Previous food poisoning outbreaks have resulted in criminal and civil penalties.
In 2020, Chipotle agreed to pay Record $25 million To resolve criminal charges over contaminated food that sickened more than 1,100 people in an outbreak between 2015 and 2018.
In 2015, Stewart Parnell, former Peanut Corporation of America executive sentenced to 28 years in prison Nine people died and more than 700 became ill after a salmonella outbreak in his company's peanut butter.
(tags to translate) business
