Rat-Infested Food Facility Raided

The Food Production Daily news reported on that a Nashville facility that had been warned about issues but had not corrected them.

The FDA had warned the company in writing in May 2009.  It detailed violations of Good Manufacturing Practices and lack of rodent and pest control measures. The facility received and stored bulk ingredients in route to restaurants.

In June, the company said that all issues were corrected. When a re-inspection occurred in November, there was "widespread rodent infestation in the building", said the agency.  The facility allowed birds, insects and rodents to enter at will.

US Federal marshalls seized over $1million worth of inventory.

Let's look at the time line. A letter in May to the company, a response from the company in June and then 5 months later a re-inspection that resulted finally in a seizure.
Is this timing acceptable?  Why would this take so long if it had potential of making someone ill?

We know that the FDA is in need of funding and in need of more inspectors.

What kind of company would allow itself to operate in this way?

What should local inspection (state, county, city) do to control sanitation and health issues?

Truly, we must get operators to do the right thing and protect the public. Food handling from field to table must continue to improve.

Ask questions where ever you are in the process.

Safeguarding the nations food supply is everyones business and responsibility.

As always, be safe out there.

Rudy
rudy@powerinlearning.com