united prosperity group – FDA Warning Letter, Jul 8, 2011

On October 13, 2011, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to United Prosperity Group dba The Produce Company following an inspection from June 29 to July 8, 2011, at their South San Francisco facility. The inspection revealed serious violations of Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations (21 CFR Part 110), rendering their food products adulterated under Section 402(a)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act due to insanitary conditions.

Key violations included: 1. **Pest Contamination (21 CFR 110.35(c)):** Pigeons were observed in the dry goods warehouse, perching above and contaminating 50 lb. mesh bags of potatoes with excreta. While a pallet of contaminated potatoes was voluntarily destroyed, the underlying issue remained unaddressed. 2. **Inadequate Pest Protection (21 CFR 110.20(b)(7)):** The opened roll-up door to the dry goods warehouse lacked proper screening, with 1-foot gaps in plastic skirts allowing pigeons entry. 3. **Failure to Remove Pest Attractants (21 CFR 110.20(a)(1)):** A compost dumpster, initially 100 feet and later 10 feet from the dry goods warehouse door, attracted pigeons and was routinely left uncovered. Attempts