Taylor Farm, Inc. – FDA Warning Letter, Apr 21, 2017

On August 30, 2017, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Taylor Farm, Inc. following an inspection of their cheese processing facility in Londonderry, VT, from April 18-21, 2017. The inspection revealed serious violations of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations (21 CFR Part 110), rendering the food products adulterated under section 402(a)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Key violations cited in the FDA-483 included: 1. **Failure to maintain equipment in an acceptable condition (21 CFR 110.80(b)(1)):** Metal storage racks in the drying/brine tank room had apparent rust, with rust flakes observed on exposed cheese wheels. A storage container with apparent dirt/filth was stored directly above exposed cheese. Non-pathogenic *Listeria* species, including *L. innocua*, were isolated from two environmental swabs, one from rusting aging racks and another from pooled water. The presence of non-pathogenic *Listeria* indicates conditions suitable for pathogenic *Listeria monocytogenes*. 2. **Failure to maintain sanitary buildings and facilities (21 CFR 110.35(a)):** Water pooling was observed on the floor of the drying/brine tank room, where *Listeria innocua* was