FDA 483 - Stoller Farms Inc - June 22, 2011

During an inspection conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from June 20 to June 22, 2011, Stoller Farms Inc. received an FDA Form 483. The inspection highlighted a critical observation at the company's laying site in Ohio City, OH. The central issue identified was the inadequacy of Stoller Farms Inc.'s written Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) prevention plan. Specifically, the plan was observed to lack appropriate measures designed to prevent SE contamination. A key deficiency noted was the absence of provisions to protect against cross-contamination when equipment is transferred and used among different poultry houses located on the same laying site. This observation underscores the importance of robust food safety protocols, particularly within the regulatory framework for egg production, to safeguard public health. While the FDA Form 483 is a notification of objectionable conditions, it signals that Stoller Farms Inc. is expected to address these findings promptly. The company is required to develop and implement comprehensive corrective actions to resolve the identified deficiencies in its SE prevention plan, thereby ensuring compliance with federal food safety regulations and enhancing consumer protection.