FDA WARNING_LETTER - Ferry Brothers Partnership - December 06, 2012

The FDA conducted an inspection of Ferry Brothers Partnership's dairy operation from November 14 to December 6, 2012, identifying significant violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The primary violation involved the sale of an adulterated cow for slaughter on May 2, 2012. Tissue samples from this animal, analyzed by USDA/FSIS, revealed illegal drug residues of Ceftiofur, Sulfamethazine, and Flunixin in kidney, liver, and muscle tissues, exceeding established tolerances. This renders the food adulterated under section 402(a)(2)(C)(ii) of the Act. Furthermore, the inspection found that the firm holds animals under inadequate conditions, increasing the likelihood of medicated animals bearing harmful drug residues entering the food supply, constituting adulteration under section 402(a)(4). A specific deficiency noted was the failure to maintain drug treatment and drug inventory records, which contributes to these insanitary conditions and compliance issues. Ferry Brothers Partnership is required to take prompt corrective action to address these violations and establish procedures to prevent recurrence. A written response detailing these steps, including documentation, must be submitted to the FDA within fifteen working days. Failure to comply may lead to further regulatory actions, such as seizure or injunction, without additional notice.