FDA EIR - Guess Cattle Company LLC - November 26, 2018

An FDA inspection of Guess Cattle Company LLC, a calf hauler, dealer, and ranch in Tulare, CA, was conducted from October 26 to November 26, 2018. The inspection was initiated to investigate violative drug residues, specifically neomycin and sulfadimethoxine, found in bob veal calves originating from the facility. The inspection, conducted under frameworks for illegal residues in meat and seafood and Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) orders, identified four significant issues. Firstly, the company failed to properly identify medicated animals sold for slaughter, leading to a calf having illegal drug residue levels. Secondly, the company administered a VFD drug (Aureomycin 100 Granular) without a lawful VFD order in place at the time of use. Thirdly, even after obtaining a VFD, the drug was used outside its approved conditions, including incorrect dosage, duration, and for prevention rather than treatment. Lastly, the company failed to maintain complete medication treatment records. At the conclusion, a Form FDA 483 was issued to owner Rodger A. Guess. He acknowledged responsibility for the initial residue and committed to correcting all deficiencies, including discussing VFD use with his veterinarian and maintaining complete records. He was warned about potential legal actions, such as seizures and civil penalties, if violative residues continued.