FDA 483 - Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC - June 06, 2014

This FDA Form 483 documents observations made during an inspection on May 22, 23, 27, and 28, 2014, concerning a facility involved in sprout growing and harvesting.

Multiple violations related to sanitation and equipment maintenance were noted. On May 23 and 27, at least five dead leg pipe ends, ranging from approximately three to twelve inches long, were observed in the sprout growing/harvesting room. These pipes, part of the water system for rinsing and misting sprouts, could not be flushed.

On May 27, apparent mold growth and dripping condensate were observed on a water pipe separated from the wall, located directly under the ceiling and near a sprouting vat in the sprout growing/harvesting room. Additionally, on May 22, 27, and 28, condensate was observed dripping directly into sprouting vats containing growing sprouts from overhead water pipes.

On May 23 and 27, condensate and irrigation water were observed dripping from rusty valves directly into sprouting vats on at least four occasions.

Between May 27 and 28, the mung bean room watering system, located directly above the mung beans, was observed to be rusty and corroded, with an orange buildup on an attached pipe. This system was observed watering mung beans with use-by dates of June 8 and 9, 2014, on at least four