FDA 483 - Spring Hope Poultry - March 23, 2011

On March 21-23, 2011, the FDA inspected Spring Hope Poultry, a shell egg manufacturer located at 4051 North NC 581, Spring Hope, NC. The inspection revealed five observations.

**Observation 1:** The facility failed to use appropriate methods for rodent control despite monitoring indicating unacceptable rodent activity. Specifically, in House 90, live rodents were observed in rafters, at least 15 dead and live rodents were found in the feed trough (some decomposing), and there were numerous structural holes, an ill-fitting door, and rodent gnaw marks. In House 89, at least 10 dead rodents were found in the feed trough (some decomposing), along with numerous structural holes, roof/eave gaps, a missing ridge vent cap, and rodent gnaw marks. Additionally, rodent monitoring documentation prior to December 2010 was absent.

**Observation 2:** Rodent presence was not monitored by appropriate methods. The firm lacked a rodent index and threshold in their SE Prevention and Monitoring Plan to determine unacceptable activity. Rodent Check Sheets from December 8, 2010, through March 16, 2011, showed counts from 13 to 80 per house without a defined activity level to trigger corrective action, and no documentation of corrective actions or a written program to address rodent population changes.

**Observation 3:** Required records lacked