Veenstra Dairy #1 – FDA Warning Letter, Apr 10, 2014

On April 8 and 10, 2014, the FDA inspected Veenstra Dairy in Hagerman, Idaho, and found violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The firm offered for sale an adulterated dairy cow for slaughter on November 5, 2013, identified with sales tag (b)(4). USDA/FSIS analysis of tissue samples from this animal revealed ampicillin at 0.1 ppm in kidney tissue, exceeding the FDA tolerance of 0.01 ppm (21 C.F.R. 556.40), rendering the food adulterated under section 402(a)(2)(C)(ii) of the FD&C Act.

Additionally, the investigation found that animals were held under insanitary conditions, likely leading to medicated animals with harmful drug residues entering the food supply, thus adulterating food under section 402(a)(4) of the FD&C Act. Specifically, the firm failed to maintain treatment records.

The FDA acknowledged the firm's April 28, 2014, response but deemed it partially inadequate. The response lacked completed treatment records, a procedure for tracing slaughtered animals, and a plan for monitoring medication expiration dates. Veenstra Dairy must take prompt action to correct these violations and establish procedures to prevent recurrence. Failure to comply may result in regulatory action, including seizure and/or injunction.