FDA 483 - Kraft Heinz Food Company - November 14, 2025

Between October 28 and November 14, 2025, the FDA inspected the Kraft Heinz Food Company manufacturing facility in Fremont, Ohio. The inspection, directed to Plant Manager David M. Barrett, identified significant concerns regarding the plant's design and its inability to maintain sanitary operations during ketchup production. Key violations included water leaking from pipes—some of which were covered in suspicious black and green material—into areas where food was being processed. Structural deficiencies were also noted, such as torn plastic hanging from roof openings and a broken glass window that could allow pests to enter the kitchen. Investigators further observed rusty material above cooking kettles and old food residue on equipment insulation directly above open bottles on the filling line. Additionally, the handling of utensils was found to be improper, with scoops stored on top of ingredient packaging and food-contact surfaces touching non-sanitized stands. These observations were recorded under the authority of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to address conditions that may lead to food contamination. While this report does not represent a final agency determination of compliance, Kraft Heinz is required to respond by either implementing corrective actions or submitting objections to the findings to the FDA district office.