FDA 483 - Hi Desert Egg, LLC - November 16, 2016

During an inspection conducted from November 14-16, 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Form 483 to Hi Desert Egg, LLC, a shell egg producer in Lucerne Valley, CA. The inspection revealed significant deficiencies indicating that shell eggs were prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions, as outlined under Section 704(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.Key observations included an inadequate written Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) prevention plan. The plan lacked essential measures for preventing cross-contamination when personnel moved between poultry houses, comprehensive rodent and fly pest control procedures, and proper cleaning and disinfection protocols for SE-positive facilities.Furthermore, the FDA noted several insanitary practices. The firm used water of unverified sanitary quality, without a sanitizing agent, for washing equipment and shell eggs, and did not test this water for microbiological contamination. Equipment cleaning procedures were insufficient, involving only wiping with rags and water, without detergents or sanitizers. Employee hygiene was also a concern, with staff handling egg products without appropriate protective attire like smocks or aprons, failing to remove unsecured jewelry, and not wearing hair restraints, increasing the risk of product contamination. Hi Desert Egg, LLC is expected to address these observations promptly by implementing corrective actions to ensure their operations comply with food safety standards and prevent the contamination of shell eggs.