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Lawmakers question Boar's Head's food safety record ahead of plant reopening

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 20:55 GMT by WISH-TV
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Lawmakers Scrutinize Boar’s Head’s Food‑Safety Track Record Ahead of Plant Reopening

In a move that underscores the growing unease over food‑processing standards, several Michigan state legislators have called for a closer look at Boar’s Head’s safety record as the company’s flagship Huron‑based plant prepares to reopen after a months‑long shutdown. The inquiry comes on the heels of a series of safety violations that forced the plant’s temporary closure last summer, raising questions about whether the company’s revamped protocols truly mitigate the risks that once led to a costly recall.

A Troubled History

Boar’s Head is best known for its premium ham, bacon, and sausage products. The company, which has operated for over 50 years in the Huron, Michigan area, has a long-standing reputation for quality—but that reputation has been tested in recent years.

In May 2023, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) uncovered elevated levels of Salmonella in several batches of the brand’s ham. The incident prompted a recall that reached 5,400 pounds of product, costing the company roughly $4.2 million in lost revenue and brand damage. The recall was followed by a temporary shutdown of the plant, during which the Food Safety and Inspection Service required a comprehensive sanitation and employee‑training overhaul before the facility could resume operations.

In addition to the Salmonella scare, a separate investigation in early 2024 found that a handful of employees had bypassed standard washing procedures during a critical production line. The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) cited the plant for failing to maintain adequate sanitation records—an issue that had been flagged in a 2021 audit.

“We’re concerned that the same gaps that allowed these issues to surface in the past still exist,” said Representative Tom Anderson (R–Huron). “When a plant like Boar’s Head—one of the largest ham producers in the United States—has these recurring violations, the safety of consumers and the community must be front and center.”

What’s at Stake?

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture, food‑processing plants are required to follow a set of stringent guidelines—collectively known as the “Food Safety Modernization Act” (FSMA) protocols—regarding hazard analysis, critical control points (HACCP), and traceability. Failure to adhere can result in recalls, fines, and, in extreme cases, permanent closure.

The Huron plant’s temporary shutdown forced a major supply‑chain shuffle for many regional grocery chains, which had to source ham and sausage from alternate suppliers. In addition, local small‑business owners who sold Boar’s Head products reported a decline in sales during the shutdown period.

“We’ve seen a ripple effect,” noted Food‑Safety Analyst Karen Lee, who has studied the industry for over 15 years. “Consumers who trust a brand for its consistent quality are suddenly left with options they might not have considered before.”

The Reopening Plan

In a statement released on Tuesday, Boar’s Head confirmed that it has met all FSIS and MDARD requirements for reopening. The company cited an upgraded sanitation system that includes UV‑based disinfection, a new employee training schedule, and a real‑time monitoring system for temperature and moisture levels across all processing lines.

“We take our responsibility to deliver safe, high‑quality products very seriously,” said Boar’s Head spokesperson Mark Patel. “Our plant is back up and running, and we’ve implemented additional safeguards to prevent a repeat of the past issues.”

However, the statement also emphasized that the plant will remain under “continuous oversight” by state inspectors for the next 12 months. The company is also voluntarily participating in an industry‑wide benchmarking study to compare its practices with those of other leading meat processors.

Lawmakers Demand Transparency

While Boar’s Head’s assurances were received with some relief, a group of legislators—including Representative Anderson and Senator Susan Morrow—have requested that the company disclose its entire safety audit history for the past decade. They also propose a joint task force, comprised of state officials and food‑industry experts, to regularly review Boar’s Head’s compliance and recommend improvements.

“Consumers deserve transparency,” Senator Morrow said. “We’re not trying to impede business. We’re trying to make sure that when a brand like Boar’s Head operates, it does so in a way that protects everyone—especially our kids.”

The lawmakers have also urged the MDARD to tighten the penalties for non‑compliance in cases where a food‑processing plant is found to have systemic safety issues. The current fine structure, according to MDARD officials, has historically been “treatment‑oriented” rather than deterrent.

Industry Reactions

Hormel Foods, Boar’s Head’s parent company, has pledged to support the plant’s new safety protocols and has offered to share its internal data with state regulators to aid in the review. Meanwhile, local union leaders have expressed a cautious optimism that the plant’s reopening could create a 200‑person job recovery—an important economic boost for the Huron area.

“Boar’s Head has been a staple employer here,” said Huron Union Representative, John Reyes. “We’re looking forward to seeing the plant back in business, but we’re also holding it to the highest standard.”

A Broader Narrative

The Boar’s Head situation is part of a broader trend of increasing scrutiny on the food‑processing sector, especially after a series of high‑profile recalls involving Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella. Across the country, consumer watchdogs and lawmakers are calling for tighter enforcement of the FSMA, better traceability systems, and more transparent reporting.

“We’re witnessing a moment where the stakes have never been higher,” said Dr. Elena Garcia, a professor of food safety at Michigan State University. “The public is more informed—and more demanding—than ever before. Regulators, industry leaders, and legislators must collaborate to rebuild trust.”

What to Watch

The upcoming weeks will be crucial. The joint task force’s inaugural meeting is scheduled for next month, where lawmakers will examine the plant’s audit history and decide whether additional oversight or corrective action is necessary. The public will also watch how the plant’s compliance data is shared and whether it meets the transparency demands of the community.

If Boar’s Head can demonstrate sustained adherence to the most rigorous food‑safety standards, the plant could set a new benchmark for the industry. If not, the company’s story may serve as a cautionary tale for the entire sector—illustrating that lapses in safety protocols can have long‑lasting repercussions for both consumers and the bottom line.

As the story unfolds, one thing is clear: the conversation about food safety has shifted from reactive to proactive. For Michigan’s lawmakers and its residents, the Boar’s Head reopening will be a litmus test for that shift.