Current:Home > News'Never gotten a response like this': Denial of Boar's Head listeria records raises questions-InfoLens
'Never gotten a response like this': Denial of Boar's Head listeria records raises questions
View Date:2024-12-23 11:53:27
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! (519)
Related
- Kalen DeBoer, Jalen Milroe save Alabama football season, as LSU's Brian Kelly goes splat
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a law aimed at preventing gas prices from spiking
- Dolphins expect Tua Tagovailoa to play again in 2024. Here's what we know.
- Ethan Slater’s Reaction to Girlfriend Ariana Grande's Saturday Night Live Moment Proves He’s So Into Her
- King Charles III celebrates 76th birthday amid cancer battle, opens food hubs
- Lowriding is more than just cars. It’s about family and culture for US Latinos
- Trial begins for Georgia woman accused of killing her toddler
- Will Cowboys fire Mike McCarthy? Jerry Jones blasts 'hypothetical' after brutal loss
- Man is 'not dead anymore' after long battle with IRS, which mistakenly labeled him deceased
- Paris car show heats up with China-Europe rivalry as EV tariffs loom
Ranking
- 'The Penguin' spoilers! Colin Farrell spills on that 'dark' finale episode
- 12-year-old boy dies after tree falls on him due to 'gusty winds' in New Jersey backyard
- Grey's Anatomy Writer Took “Puke Breaks” While Faking Cancer Diagnosis, Colleague Alleges
- Walz to unveil Harris’ plan for rural voters as campaign looks to cut into Trump’s edge
- NFL MVP rankings: Does Steelers QB Russell Wilson deserve any consideration?
- Prosecutor drops an assault charge against a Vermont sheriff after two mistrials
- T.I. Announces Retirement From Performing
- 11 smart tips to make your tech life easier
Recommendation
-
What Republicans are saying about Matt Gaetz’s nomination for attorney general
-
Aaron Rodgers-Damar Hamlin jersey swap: Jets QB lauds Bills DB as 'inspiration'
-
Ethan Slater’s Reaction to Girlfriend Ariana Grande's Saturday Night Live Moment Proves He’s So Into Her
-
Pumpkin weighing 2,471 pounds wins California contest
-
Charles Hanover: Caution, Bitcoin May Be Entering a Downward Trend!
-
Two men shot during Pennsylvania assassination attempt on Trump say Secret Service failed them
-
Fantasy football Week 7: Trade value chart and rest of season rankings
-
Zoe Saldaña: Spielberg 'restored my faith' in big movies after 'Pirates of the Caribbean'