New Rich City Co. – FDA Warning Letter, Jun 8, 2012

On July 3, 2012, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to New Rich City Company following a June 4-8, 2012 inspection of their Philadelphia food warehouse. The inspection revealed significant violations of Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations (21 CFR Part 110), rendering food products adulterated under Section 402(a)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act due to insanitary conditions. Additionally, sub-samples with rodent excreta, urine stains, and gnaw holes were adulterated under Section 402(a)(3).

Key violations included extensive evidence of pest infestation (rodent excreta, urine stains, live and dead insects, avian excreta), and the presence of live guard dogs and cats freely roaming the facility, with associated animal excreta, urine, and hair on food products. The facility also failed to maintain sanitary conditions and repair, with observations of debris-laden rooms, holes in walls, gaps under doors, and improper stacking preventing cleaning. Exterior grounds were not properly maintained, with overgrown weeds and discarded equipment. Furthermore, finished food was not properly stored, evidenced by raw onions on the floor, expired/damaged canned goods, standing water, employees standing on food boxes, footprints on packaging, and food debris under pallets.

The FDA acknowledged verbal commitments and some corrective actions during the inspection but required a written response within 15 working days detailing current