Perhaps it’s not quite the appalling conditions that Sinclair Lewis wrote about in his novel The Jungle, but the Boar’s Head deli meat factory in Virginia may run a close second. At least nine people have died and almost 60 hospitalized due to a deadly listeria outbreak because of unsanitary practices at the plant.
Beginning last year, federal inspectors cited the plant 69 times for bugs, mold, fat dripping off the walls, as well as blood and meat on the floor; however, the plant kept producing contaminated products. One victim was Gunter Morgenstein, an 88-year old Holocaust survivor who died in July.
Food safety inspection is part of the so-called “administrative state” Project 2025, the right-wing Heritage Foundation wants to dismantle. It goes along with the idea that any industry has the right to pollute our lives. Boar’s Head had to recall 7 million pounds of deli meat. Why the plant wasn’t shut down earlier is a real question, said Barbara Kowalcyk, food safety advocate, whose son Kevin died from contaminated food in 2002.
Prayer for the Day
Failures and faults affect our lives, O God,
As we seek ways to overcome them;
Often there is no recompense for our actions,
As we struggle to make matters whole.
Grant us your insight and wisdom, Holy One,
For we are so limited by the hurt we cause others.
In the name of the One who makes us whole again,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
It makes me wonder why additional actions weren’t taken by management of that company and the regulators.
Barbara Kowalcyk, Institute for Food Safety, George Washington University
I think it is disgusting and shameful. I’m just even more in shock that this was allowed to happen.
Garshon Morgenstein, son of Gunter, who died July 18.
For there is no truth in their mouths; their hearts are destruction;
Their throats are open graves; they flatter with their tongues.
Make them bear their guilt, O God, let them fall by their own counsels,
Because of their many transgressions cast them out,
For they have rebelled against you
Psalm 5: 9-10