USDA looks into Boar's Head deli meat factory because of worries about listeria outbreak.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investigating how it handled problems at a Boar's Head deli meat plant. This comes after a listeria outbreak linked to the plant made people sick and resulted in deaths.

Senator Richard Blumenthal requested the investigation after reports showed problems like mold and insects at the plant. These reports, spanning two years, suggested these issues could be dangerous for food safety.

Blumenthal criticized the USDA for not taking strong action despite these reports, allowing the plant to continue operating. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention linked contaminated Boar's Head products to illnesses and deaths across the US.

While the USDA investigates its own handling of the situation, Blumenthal and another lawmaker want the Justice Department involved. They believe criminal charges might be necessary in this case.

The USDA has refused to share documents about its inspections of the Boar's Head plant, citing potential interference with law enforcement. The Associated Press, which filed requests for these documents, is challenging this refusal.