FDA WARNING_LETTER - Mexicali Cheese Corp. - August 17, 2010

On August 10, 11, and 17, 2010, the FDA inspected Mexicali Cheese Corp.'s facility in Woodhaven, NY, following a recall due to elevated *Staphylococcus aureus* in Queso Cotija. The inspection found *Listeria monocytogenes* in five environmental locations, rendering cheese products adulterated under 21 U.S.C. § 342(a)(4).

The FDA cited serious violations of 21 CFR Part 110 (Current Good Manufacturing Practice). Deficiencies included: 1. **Inadequate cleaning and sanitizing (21 CFR 110.35(a)):** Employees cleaned equipment while wearing soiled garments, sprayed water onto food-contact surfaces and uncovered product, and used inadequately cleaned crates for ready-to-eat cheese. 2. **Improper equipment maintenance (21 CFR 110.40(a)):** A rusted, chipped wire rack was used to grate mozzarella curds. 3. **Failure to prevent contamination (21 CFR 110.80):** Ready-to-eat cheese contacted unsanitized walls, sink surfaces, and dirty plastic strip curtains. Wet crates dripped onto uncovered cheese, and cheese was wheeled through pooled floor water. 4. **Failure to protect against contamination (21 CFR 110.10(