# FDA WARNING_LETTER - Nicho Produce Co., Inc. - December 16, 2011

Source: https://www.keypedia.com/records/warning_letter/nicho-produce-co-inc/e6b7863a-d104-4769-8c58-78b424b7386a

> FDA WARNING_LETTER for Nicho Produce Co., Inc. on December 16, 2011. Product: Food. Access full analysis and detailed observations.

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## Details

- Record Type: WARNING_LETTER
- Company Name: Nicho Produce Co., Inc.
- Inspection Date: 2011-12-16
- Product Type: Food
- Office Name: Dallas District Office
- Summary: The FDA inspected Nicho Produce Company, Inc.'s facility from December 9-16, 2011, following recalls of their shredded lettuce and spinach due to *Listeria monocytogenes* (L. mono) contamination. The inspection found serious Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) violations and confirmed L. mono presence, including on direct food-contact surfaces, rendering products adulterated under 21 U.S.C. 342(a)(4).

Environmental sampling (FDA sample #641168) yielded L. mono from 12 of 72 swabs, including direct food-contact surfaces like a plastic block, drier spinner, and squeegee. One isolate matched a USDA spinach product strain, and others matched USDA lettuce isolates, indicating cross-contamination.

Violations included:
1.  **Failure to minimize microbial growth/contamination (21 CFR 110.80(b)(2)):** Employees handled ready-to-eat produce with unsanitized gloved hands after touching contaminated surfaces (e.g., a shovel and squeegee that tested positive for L. mono).
2.  **Inadequate cleaning/sanitizing of equipment (21 CFR 110.35(a)):** Food residue (broccoli florets, dewatering belt residue) was observed on equipment after cleaning and sanitizing.
3.  **Inadequate plumbing

## Related Officers

- [District Director](https://www.keypedia.com/people/reynaldo-rodriguez/6e765ccb-f28d-433b-85cb-eafb8b8c35df)

Company: https://www.keypedia.com/companies/nicho-produce-co-inc/e813a81d-e5d7-4c29-8238-eb17a0718443

Office: https://www.keypedia.com/offices/dallas-district-office/2d1ee9ae-c44c-4494-8186-a920a69b98f9