USDA finds bugs, mold at Boar’s Head plant linked to listeria outbreak

RICHMOND, Va. (CNN, WTVR, WTKR) – Before laying out food this holiday weekend, Americans are advised to take a close look inside their refrigerators.

A major deli meat recall remains in effect due to listeria contamination that has made dozens sick, and, in some cases, turned fatal.

Officials fear those products may still be in some kitchens.

The source of the outbreak is deli meat from the Boar’s Head plant located in Jarratt, Virginia, a location linked to the largest listeria outbreak the U.S. has seen in more than a decade.

The Department of Agriculture reports 69 non-compliances at that facility within the past year, where inspectors say they found mold, insects, both dead and alive, as well as puddles of blood. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says at least 57 people have been hospitalized in 18 states due to infection.

Nine are confirmed dead.

Boar’s Head recalled more than seven million pounds of its meats, primarily liverwurst, but also ham, sausage, bologna, hot dogs and bacon.

The company has paused production at the Virginia plant, saying in a statement, “We deeply regret the impact this recall has had on affected families.”

Officials at Boar’s Head also say they’re working to prevent this from happening again.

More information on the recall is available on the CDC’s website.

Consumers who find these potentially infected products are advised to return them to the place of purchase or throw them away.