FDA EIR - Pilgrim's Pride Corporation - August 07, 2025

An unannounced, comprehensive inspection of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, an animal feed manufacturer in Wingate, NC, was conducted on August 5 and 7, 2025. This inspection was performed by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services under contract with the Food & Drug Administration, assessing compliance with animal food safety regulations, including Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) requirements.

The inspection identified two main issues. First, the company distributed animal feed containing a VFD drug where the indicated use on the feed label did not conform to the VFD order, such as shipping feed for 'Chronic Respiratory Disease' when the VFD specified 'infectious synovitis.' Second, the firm failed to implement its documented preventive controls; specifically, its hazard analysis required on-site testing of corn germ meal for aflatoxin and DON, but this testing was not being performed upon receipt. This represented a recurring concern from a prior inspection regarding the inconsistent application of their mycotoxin control program.

In response, management committed to implementing a program to verify that feed labels align with approved labels and VFD orders. They also stated they would begin testing corn germ meal and review their full mycotoxin plan with corporate for necessary revisions. These actions are essential to rectify the identified non-conformities and ensure adherence to animal food safety standards.