Shemshad Food Products, Inc – FDA Warning Letter, Sep 30, 2010

On September 23-30, 2010, the FDA inspected Shemshad Food Products, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA, identifying serious violations. The company manufactures acidified foods, juices, and other food products.

Violations include: * **Acidified Food Regulations (21 CFR Parts 108 and 114):** Failure to file scheduled processes for acidified foods (e.g., vegetable stew, pickled garlic), maintain processing records (pH measurements, critical factors), code containers, maintain initial distribution records, have a recall procedure, or keep records of raw material/packaging examinations. The pH meter was inaccurate. These failures render acidified products adulterated under Section 402(a)(4) of the Act. * **Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) (21 CFR Part 110):** Employees failed to wash hands after contamination, the processing room sink lacked hot water, and pests (insect larvae, flying insects, cockroaches) were present on food processing surfaces and in food. Toxic cleaning agents were improperly stored with food items in unmarked containers. Dust-covered fans blew air onto uncovered food, and in-process foods were stored outdoors in poorly sealed drums next to trash. Raw ingredients, in-process foods, and finished products were stored in unmarked containers. These failures render food products adulterated under Section 402(a)(4) of the Act. * **