Bravo Packing, Inc. – FDA EIR, Feb 22, 2017

Bravo Packing, Inc. underwent an FDA inspection on February 22, 2017, as a follow-up to a previous Untitled Letter and to assess compliance with BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) regulations. A prior inspection in January 2016 had identified that the company distributed horse meat products adulterated with Pentobarbital, leading to illness and euthanasia in exotic cats. During the 2017 inspection, Bravo Packing detailed voluntary corrective actions for Pentobarbital contamination, including new sanitation procedures for shared equipment after processing dead or euthanized horses and the segregation of these animals. However, concerns were raised regarding injured animals processed immediately, potentially containing drug residues. In response, company management committed to implementing agreements with all suppliers within two months, requiring notification of any medication administered to animals before delivery. Additionally, the firm's facility registration was found to be invalid due to failure to renew in 2016, which management pledged to rectify immediately. Discussions also covered new FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations, with the company promising compliance. No deficiencies were observed regarding BSE regulations, as the firm continues to remove specified risk materials and label products appropriately.