FDA 483 - Peregrina Cheese Corp. - March 19, 2003

On March 19, 2003, the FDA issued a Form 483 to Peregrina Cheese Company, a cheese manufacturer located at 342 Ten Eyck Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206. The inspection, conducted from March 17-19, 2003, by Investigators Peter M. Trunk, Winston R. Alejo, and Mercedes G. Castillo, identified two significant observations.

Firstly, the facility lacked adequate backflow protection in piping systems discharging wastewater and sewage. Specifically, hoses in the "Queso Hebra," pasteurization and product squeezing/drying, and "Queso Fresco" forming/packaging rooms were not equipped with devices to prevent backflow. This poses a risk of contamination from wastewater entering the potable water supply or product contact surfaces.

Secondly, hand-washing facilities lacked running water of a suitable temperature. The employee restroom, in particular, had no hot water available. This deficiency compromises proper hand hygiene for employees, increasing the risk of microbial contamination of food products.

These observations indicate deficiencies in the firm's sanitation and hygiene practices, which are critical for ensuring food safety and compliance with good manufacturing practices. Javier Peregrina, President, was the recipient of this report.