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SARASOTA, FLA. — Boar’s Head Brand Announces Company-Wide Food Safety Initiative

On February 13, 2024, Boar’s Head Brand announced a temporary pause in operations to initiate a comprehensive company-wide event known as “Boar’s Head Food Safety Promise Day.” This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing food safety and sanitation protocols, particularly in the wake of a significant Listeria outbreak that impacted operations in 2024. The event aims to highlight the new and improved safety measures implemented across all Boar’s Head facilities.

Frank Yiannas, MPH, who serves as the Chief Food Safety Advisor for Boar’s Head and previously held the position of Deputy Commissioner for Food Response at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, elaborated on the company’s strategic recovery steps. He emphasized the importance of proactive safety measures at every stage of food production—from sourcing to delivery. “Boar’s Head is implementing proactive safety measures at every step in making safe, high-quality food, and today everyone at Boar’s Head is doubling down on this promise to consumers,” Yiannas stated. He further indicated that the company has integrated a series of leading-edge interventions and programs aimed at strengthening food safety protocols, ensuring that the trusted quality expected from the Boar’s Head brand is maintained.

As part of the Food Safety Promise Day activities, Yiannas mentioned that the company would hold a moment of silence to honor those affected by the Listeria outbreak. Additionally, they plan to unveil a symbolic eternal food safety flame, signifying their unwavering commitment to food safety. “This flame represents our passionate focus on food safety and our determination to never let that passion fade,” he noted in a company Q&A.

In terms of operational advancements, Boar’s Head is introducing new production practices, including high-pressure pasteurization and water pasteurization. In certain cases, the company will incorporate natural ingredients known to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Listeria. Yiannas referenced the USDA’s Alternative 2 Listeria control requirements, stating, “The move to an even stricter, higher standard such as Alternative 2 means that once deli meat is cooked, while strict sanitation will be adhered to, even higher levels of safety are being employed in the production process to prevent recontamination and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.”

In a letter outlining their commitments, Boar’s Head cited an increase in Listeria sampling across all facilities, alongside investments in advanced laboratory testing and analysis technologies. “Our sanitation team has undergone additional third-party training, and we’ve enhanced daily cleaning and sanitation protocols,” the letter affirmed. This includes dedicating hours each day to comprehensive cleaning and sanitizing of all manufacturing equipment, surfaces, and plant environments. Regular audits are also part of the strategy to ensure the effectiveness of these practices.

The backdrop to these initiatives includes a report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) that detailed “inadequate sanitation practices” at Boar’s Head’s Jarratt, Virginia facility in 2024. This report followed a troubling Listeria outbreak that resulted in the deaths of ten individuals and the hospitalization of 60 others across 19 states. In total, 61 people reportedly became ill due to the outbreak.

In response to the outbreak and ongoing concerns, Boar’s Head took decisive action by closing the Jarratt facility in September 2024. The company also established a food safety council, which Yiannas was appointed to lead. This council aims to oversee the implementation of stringent safety measures and ensure adherence to the highest standards of food safety across all operations.

Boar’s Head is resolutely focused on regaining consumer trust and reinforcing its reputation as a leading provider of high-quality deli meats. The Food Safety Promise Day serves as a pivotal moment for the company, allowing staff to reflect on the lessons learned and recommit to the highest standards of food safety and quality assurance.

In conclusion, Boar’s Head Brand is taking significant strides to enhance its food safety protocols and is committed to a transparent recovery process following the Listeria outbreak. The company’s emphasis on rigorous safety measures, employee training, and advanced testing technologies marks a renewed dedication to ensuring the safety and quality of its products for consumers. As they move forward, Boar’s Head aims to emerge from this challenging period stronger and more resilient, with a steadfast commitment to food safety that will remain at the forefront of its operations.

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