FDA WARNING_LETTER - Washington County Livestock Center, Inc. - February 29, 2008

On February 28-29, 2008, the FDA inspected Washington County Livestock Center, Inc. and found violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The facility offered for sale an adulterated animal for slaughter as food. Specifically, on August 24, 2007, a cow sold by the facility was slaughtered on August 27, 2007. USDA/FSIS analysis of tissue samples from this animal revealed 0.505 ppm tilmicosin in muscle tissue and 3.232 ppm tilmicosin in liver tissue. The FDA tolerance for tilmicosin is 0.1 ppm in muscle and 1.2 ppm in liver (21 C.F.R. 556.735). Gentamicin was also identified in muscle and liver tissues, for which no FDA tolerance exists in cattle. The presence of these drug residues above established tolerances or without a tolerance renders the food adulterated under section 402(a)(2)(C)(ii) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 342(a)(2)(C)(ii)]. The company must take prompt action to correct these violations and establish procedures to prevent recurrence. A written response detailing corrective actions is required within fifteen working days of receiving the letter, sent to Gina M. Brackett, Compliance Officer. Failure to comply may result