FDA WARNING_LETTER - Hanover Foods Corporation - May 27, 2010

The FDA conducted inspections of Hanover Foods Corporation's facility from April 6-30, 2009, and May 11-27, 2010. Laboratory analyses of samples collected during these inspections revealed the presence of *Listeria monocytogenes* (L. mono) in environmental and in-line samples, specifically in a sliced mushroom in-line sample and on a food contact surface. These findings, along with documented serious violations of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulation for foods (21 CFR Part 110), caused the foods manufactured at the facility to be adulterated under 21 U.S.C. 342(a)(4).

Significant CGMP deviations included: 1. Failure to protect finished food from contamination by ingredients or refuse, and failure to protect food transported by conveyor (21 CFR 110.80(b)(6)). Specific observations included ready-to-eat mushrooms spilling onto an electrical panel with old food debris and then into product boxes, accumulated mushroom debris sprinkling into open product boxes from a conveyor, and defrosted mushroom debris contacting the conveyor belt carrying ready-to-eat mushrooms. 2. Failure to protect against the inclusion of metal or other extraneous material in food (21 CFR 110.80(b)(8)), evidenced by rusty bolts dripping water onto in-process wheat grass. 3.