Health Law

FDA's 483 Report after Inspection at Sprouter's Northwest facility

By Drew Falkenstein

Clover sprouts produced by Sprouters Northwest of Kent, Washington, were identified as the source of a Salmonella outbreak among Oregon and Washington residents. According to the Oregon Department of Health, at least 7 people became ill with Salmonella infections after consuming the clover sprouts in December.  The FDA's 483 Inspection report, released after an in depth investigation at Sprouter's Northwest facility in Kent, announced the following findings:

• Failure to take necessary precautions to protect against contamination of food and food contact surfaces with microorganisms and foreign substances
• Failure to clean food-contact surfaces as frequently as necessary to protect against contamination of food
• Failure to clean non-food-contact surfaces of equipment as frequently as necessary to protect against contamination
• Effective measures are not being taken to protect against contamination of food on the premises by pests
• Failure to properly store equipment, remove litter and waste, and cut weeds or grass that may constitute an attractant, breeding place or harborage area for pests, within the immediate vicinity of the plant, building, or structures
• Failure to maintain buildings, fixtures, or other physical structures in a sanitary condition
• Failure to hold raw materials in bulk or suitable containers so as to protect against contamination
• Failure to maintain buildings and physical facilities in repair sufficient to prevent food from becoming adulterated

View the entire report here. 

Full post as published by Food Poison Blog on January 30, 2011 (boomark / email).