FDA warns California bakery over severe pest infestation, other problems
Federal inspectors discovered widespread insect and mold activity at a California pita bakery, leading the FDA to warn that its products were adulterated.
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As part of its enforcement activities, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sends warning letters to entities within its jurisdiction. Some letters are not released to the public until weeks or months after they are sent. Business owners have 15 days to respond to FDA warning letters. Often, warning letters are not issued until a company has had months, or even years, to correct the problems. Typically, parts of the letters are redacted and are not publicly available.
Middle East/Soli’s Baking Company Inc. dba Middle East Baking Co.
Burlingame, California
In a July 25, 2025 warning letter, the Food and Drug Administration highlighted serious violations observed during an inspection of the company’s pita and bagel manufacturing plant in Burlingame, California, from November 20, 2024 to January 10, 2025.
FDA investigators documented widespread insect activity throughout the plant, confirmed by laboratory analysis of dirt samples showing insects in larval, nymphal and adult stages. The agency also identified multiple deficiencies in sanitation, facility maintenance, employee hygiene and pest exclusion practices. These conditions led the FDA to determine that the company’s pita and bagel products were adulterated because they were prepared, packaged or stored in unsanitary conditions that could have made them harmful to health.
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