L. D. McFarlin – FDA Warning Letter, Feb 4, 2015

On February 2-4, 2015, the FDA investigated McFarlin Cattle, a beef stocker cattle operation in Terrell, Texas, and found violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The operation offered for sale adulterated animals for slaughter.

Specifically, on August 9, 2014, a steer sold for slaughter contained florfenicol residues exceeding established tolerances: 4.27 ppm in the liver (tolerance 3.7 ppm) and 0.39 ppm in muscle (tolerance 0.3 ppm). This violates section 402(a)(2)(C)(ii) of the Act, deeming the food adulterated due to unsafe new animal drug levels.

Furthermore, the investigation revealed insanitary conditions, including a failure to maintain treatment records, which could lead to medicated animals with harmful drug residues entering the food supply. This violates section 402(a)(4) of the Act, deeming food adulterated if held under insanitary conditions.

McFarlin Cattle must take prompt action to correct these violations and establish procedures to prevent recurrence. A written response detailing corrective actions and timelines is required within fifteen working days of receiving the letter. Failure to comply may result in regulatory actions like seizure or injunction.