Taste Operating, Inc. – FDA Warning Letter, Jan 9, 2008

On January 8 and 9, 2008, the FDA inspected Taste Operating, Inc. dba Taste Specialty Foods in Las Vegas, Nevada, and found serious violations of the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulation (21 CFR Part 123) and the Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulation (21 CFR Part 110).

The primary violation cited was the firm's failure to conduct a hazard analysis and implement written HACCP plans for refrigerated, ready-to-eat fish and fishery products, specifically pasteurized canned [redacted] and [redacted]. This omission means the firm lacks controls for pathogen growth and toxin formation, including Clostridium botulinum toxin, and for pathogens resulting from time/temperature abuse during product receipt and storage.

According to 21 CFR 123.6(g) and Section 402(a)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. § 342(a)(4)), this failure renders the firm's refrigerated pasteurized canned [redacted] and [redacted] adulterated, as they were prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions potentially injurious to health.

The FDA requires a written response within fifteen working days, detailing specific corrective actions, including HACCP and verification records. Failure to promptly correct violations may result in further action, such as product seizure