FDA EIR - Vita-Pakt Citrus Products Co. - February 08, 2019

An FDA inspection of Vita-Pakt Citrus Products Co. in Del Rey, CA, was conducted from February 5-8, 2019, as part of a routine surveillance focused on preventive controls for human foods. The inspection identified significant issues in sanitation and contamination prevention. Specifically, inspectors observed a failure to minimize the potential for food contamination, citing uncovered, double-stacked bins of wet orange peels stored outside, making them vulnerable to environmental contaminants. Furthermore, the firm was cited for not adequately cleaning and sanitizing utensils or equipment, with plastic bins used for storing wet orange peels exhibiting large cracks and accumulated dirt. These observations highlighted deficiencies in maintaining sanitary conditions and preventing product adulteration. In response to the findings, Vita-Pakt management committed to applying lids to product bins, retraining employees on cleaning and inspecting bins, updating cleaning procedures, and acquiring new bins to replace damaged ones. Additionally, the company was advised to update its recall procedure for prompt FDA notification, ensure proper labeling of animal food by-products, include Listeria monocytogenes and Shigella in their hazard analysis, seek a validated study for their drying process, and properly document magnet calibration records. The company implemented voluntary corrective actions during the inspection, including cleaning and covering bins.