Indefinite closure of Virginia plant after deadly outbreak
- Boar’s Head closes Virginia factory due to Listeria outbreak
- Nine deaths linked to the outbreak
- Liverwurst production process identified as cause of contamination
- Company permanently stops liverwurst production
- Seven million pounds of products recalled
- Union negotiates severance or transfer for employees
- Listeria can cause serious illness in immunocompromised people, older individuals and newborns
Boar’s Head has announced the indefinite closure of its deli meat factory in Virginia following a listeria outbreak that led to nine deaths and hospitalizations. The company identified liverwurst production as the cause of contamination and will permanently stop producing the product. Seven million pounds of products were recalled, affecting hundreds of employees at the facility. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 57 hospitalizations and nine fatalities linked to the outbreak.
Factuality Level: 9
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about a recall of deli meat due to a listeria outbreak, the cause of contamination, the affected products, and the consequences for workers at the factory. It also includes relevant details about the impact on public health and the bacteria itself.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about a specific recall and outbreak, but it could benefit from more analysis or context on the broader implications of the situation.
Private Companies: Boar’s Head
Key People:
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Boar’s Head, a deli meat company, experienced a listeria outbreak leading to a factory closure and product recall which may impact their sales and revenue.
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a health-related issue that has led to the closure of one of Boar’s Head’s factories and a recall of their products, which can have financial implications for the company.
Presence Of Extreme Event: Yes
Nature Of Extreme Event: Health Crisis
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Moderate
Extreme Rating Justification: The extreme event is a listeria outbreak causing illness and deaths, leading to the closure of a factory and recalling millions of pounds of products. It affects public health and has long-term consequences for the workers at the facility.
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: Food
Direction: Down
Magnitude: Large
Affected Instruments: Stocks
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