# FDA WARNING_LETTER - Gold State Nut LLC - May 06, 2015

Source: https://www.keypedia.com/records/warning_letter/gold-state-nut-llc/810516ba-d9f0-4309-b4f4-211a7d6c0a00

> FDA WARNING_LETTER for Gold State Nut LLC on May 06, 2015. Product: Food. Access full analysis and detailed observations.

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## Details

- Record Type: WARNING_LETTER
- Company Name: Gold State Nut LLC
- Inspection Date: 2015-05-06
- Product Type: Food
- Office Name: San Francisco District Office
- Summary: On November 10, 2015, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Gold State Nut LLC following a joint inspection with the CDPH from April 22 to May 6, 2015. The inspection of the walnut processing facility revealed the presence of *Salmonella* and multiple Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) violations, rendering the walnuts adulterated under 21 U.S.C. 342(a)(4).

FDA laboratory analysis found *Salmonella* in three of 100 environmental swabs, including one from a cross-beam directly above the shelled walnut exit belt, where debris was observed falling onto the product. Two swabs from a reptile enclosure in the office also yielded *Salmonella*. The President was observed handling a bearded dragon and then touching shelled walnuts without washing hands, and reptiles are known *Salmonella* reservoirs.

CGMP violations included:
1. Failure to protect against contamination (21 CFR 110.10(b)(9)): Observed handling a reptile then walnuts without handwashing, an employee tracking standing water into the shelling room, and a shovel in contact with the floor and shelled walnuts.
2. Improper handling of containers (21 CFR 110.80(b)(7)): In-shell walnut bins in standing water, creating cross-contamination potential.
3. Inadequate cleaning of non-food contact surfaces (21 CFR

## Related Officers

- [Kathleen M. Lewis](https://www.keypedia.com/people/kathleen-m-lewis/c7f66b1a-d346-48cc-ab84-9ea6c2805268)

Company: https://www.keypedia.com/companies/gold-state-nut-llc/85a92416-011c-4a5e-95a5-0162928194a2

Office: https://www.keypedia.com/offices/san-francisco-district-office/6f838e9c-aae1-4665-9c46-a51d43be02df