Swiss Mountain View Egg Farm – FDA Warning Letter, Aug 16, 2013

On February 3, 2014, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Swiss Mountain View Egg Farm following an August 14-16, 2013 inspection. The inspection revealed significant violations of the Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) in Shell Eggs regulation (21 CFR Part 118), rendering their shell eggs adulterated under the FD&C Act and in violation of the PHS Act.

Key violations include: 1. Failure to have a written SE prevention plan (21 CFR 118.4). 2. Failure to perform environmental testing for SE in poultry houses (21 CFR 118.5(a)). 3. Failure to register the egg farm with the FDA (21 CFR 118.11(a)). 4. Failure to prevent wild birds and cats from entering poultry houses (21 CFR 118.4(b)(4)). 5. Failure to remove vegetation and debris outside poultry houses that could harbor pests (21 CFR 118.4(c)(3)).

The farm stated an intent to reduce hen numbers below 3,000 to avoid regulation, which FDA will verify. The farm must take prompt corrective actions within 15 working days, providing documentation of compliance. Failure to comply may result in regulatory actions such as seizure or injunction.