FDA 483 - Giant Greens, Inc. - January 21, 2011

This FDA Form 483 documents observations from an inspection, highlighting multiple deficiencies in sanitation, pest control, and facility maintenance.

**Contamination Risks:** * *Listeria monocytogenes* was found on a stainless steel table in the packing room. * Raw sprouts were stored in unlined plastic crates, allowing contact with pallets/totes that had touched the floor. These crates were also used as supports, placed directly on the floor. * Food debris and residue were found on the sprout rinse tank conveyor belt and associated components, posing a risk of sprouts falling back into the tank. * The seed disinfection room showed accumulated spilled seeds on prep tables, scale frames, and floors, indicating infrequent cleaning. * A brown mass of old food grime with *Listeria seeligeri* was found on a cross support plate inside the rinse tank incline belt.

**Pest Control Issues:** * Six rodent excreta pellets (REPs) were collected from the warehouse, including large REPs behind a steel rack and forklift battery charger, and small REPs along the west wall. * Gaps were observed at the bottom of an employee access door and an opening in the west exterior wall at the roof line, allowing potential pest entry.

**Poor Housekeeping and Maintenance:** * Accumulations of unused equipment parts, cardboard boxes, and unusable food items were found in warehouse mezzanine areas, potentially attracting pests.