FDA warns three firms after finding rodents, bird droppings and allergen risks in food facilities

As part of its enforcement activities, the Food and Drug Administration 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. Warning letters are often only issued when the company has had months or years to correct the problems. Typically, parts of the letters are redacted and are not publicly available.

The FDA has issued warning letters to three food operations for serious violations, including widespread rodent activity at a nut production facility, bird droppings contaminating onion packing lines, inadequate allergen controls during roasting, and sanitation failures. The findings highlight the risks of dirt contamination, cross-contact with allergens and unsafe foods entering the market.