FDA 483 - Bidart Cold Storage - January 06, 2015

This FDA Form 483 documents observations made during an inspection on December 23, 2014, citing violations related to food prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions, potentially leading to contamination or health hazards.

The inspection identified significant issues with *Listeria monocytogenes* contamination and equipment maintenance. Specifically, sample INV 870215, comprising 110 environmental swabs, yielded seven positive subs for *Listeria monocytogenes*. Six of these positive sites were direct food contact surfaces: a black polishing brush (Sub 3), red drying brushes (Sub 39, 41, 44), an auto line (b)(4) lane (Sub 63), and the inside area of a non-painted Bidart wooden bin (Sub 106). The main packing line drain between the north and south flumes (Sub 100) was also positive.

Furthermore, direct food contact areas of packaging equipment used during the 2014 apple season were observed to be constructed and/or maintained in a manner that prevented proper cleaning and sanitization. This included a damaged conveyor belt and chipping/peeling paint on the (b)(4) transfer chute of the Grannys Best packaging line. Additionally, frayed edges and exposed foam-like material were noted on the green vinyl-coated padding lining the transfer chute to the peeler on the Grannys Best packaging line