FDA 483 - Snokist Growers - June 02, 2011

This FDA Form 483 documents observations from an inspection, indicating significant deficiencies in food handling, sanitation, and facility maintenance. The facility failed to use a proven effective method for reconditioning adulterated food and did not store finished food under conditions protecting against chemical and microbial contamination. Filling, assembling, and packaging operations were not performed in a manner that protects food from contamination.

Key personnel issues include a lack of appropriate training in food handling techniques and food protection principles for food handlers, and employees not washing hands thoroughly before starting work and after absences from the workstation.

Equipment and facility issues are prevalent: equipment, containers, and utensils used to convey food were not maintained to protect against contamination. Food contact surfaces were not maintained to protect food from contamination, including unlawful indirect food additives. Toxic sanitizing agents were not properly held to prevent contamination of food, food-contact surfaces, and food-packaging materials.

Structural and environmental deficiencies include the plant not being constructed to prevent condensate from contaminating food and food-contact surfaces, plumbing constituting a source of contamination, and a lack of effective measures to protect against pest contamination of food on the premises. These observations indicate a systemic failure in maintaining a hygienic and safe food production environment.