Diamond Pet Foods, LLC – FDA EIR, Sep 19, 2012

An FDA inspection of Diamond Pet Food Processors of SC, LLC, located in Gaston, SC, was conducted from September 10 to September 19, 2012. This follow-up inspection was initiated due to a previous recall caused by Salmonella infantis contamination in dry pet food, which was linked to pet and human illnesses. Guided by FDA's Feed Contaminants Program and the FD&C Act, the inspection focused on the firm's manufacturing operations, emphasizing Salmonella control and sanitation.

Significant findings included multiple environmental swab samples and one product sample testing positive for Salmonella species. The FDA issued an Inspectional Observations (FDA-483) report, detailing several violations. These involved inadequate precautions to prevent contamination during production, deficiencies in plant design affecting contamination control, improper handling and maintenance of food-contact equipment, and insufficient cleaning and sanitizing procedures. Additionally, inadequate pest control measures were observed, with live mice detected and bay doors left open.

Concerns were also raised regarding the firm's Salmonella release model and the effectiveness of their chosen sanitizers. In response to previous issues, the company had initiated environmental and product sampling, implemented a product segregation protocol, and installed nets over exhaust fans. They were also in the process of validating a treatment for chicken fat. Management committed to providing a written response to all inspectional observations within 48 hours, outlining further corrective actions.