FDA WARNING_LETTER - Hildebrandt Farms - July 19, 2011

On June 2 and July 19, 2011, the FDA investigated Hildebrandt Farms, a dairy farm in South Beloit, Illinois. The investigation found that the farm offered for sale an adulterated animal for slaughter as food. Specifically, on December 30, 2010, a cull dairy cow sold by Hildebrandt Farms was slaughtered, and USDA/FSIS analysis of its kidney tissue revealed 7.87 ppm of desfuroylceftiofur. This level exceeds the FDA tolerance of 0.4 ppm, rendering the food adulterated under Section 402(a)(2)(C)(ii) of the FD&C Act.

Additionally, the FDA found that Hildebrandt Farms held animals under insanitary conditions, specifically failing to maintain complete treatment records, which could lead to medicated animals with harmful drug residues entering the food supply. This constitutes adulteration under Section 402(a)(4) of the FD&C Act.

Hildebrandt Farms is required to take prompt action to correct these violations and establish procedures to prevent recurrence. A written response detailing corrective actions must be submitted to the FDA within fifteen working days of receiving the letter. Failure to comply may result in regulatory actions such as seizure or injunction.