As part of its enforcement activities, the Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not made visible to the public until weeks or months after they are sent. Business owners have 15 days to respond to warning letters from the FDA. Warning letters are often only issued after a company has been given months or years to resolve problems.
In recent warning letters, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cited several food companies for failing to meet critical food safety standards under the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP). These companies, including Pacific Exchange Distributors LLC, JC Finest Produce Inc., Green Day Produce, Troya Del Campo USA LLC, and JJH Trading Inc., were found to be in violation of Section 805 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Pacific Exchange Distributors LLC
Long Beach, CA
Pacific Exchange Distributors, which imports seasoned radish strips, plums and mustard greens, was issued a warning letter on September 12 for not maintaining and following FSVP for most of its products. The FDA found that the company failed to conduct written hazard analyzes or document proper supplier assessments. At the conclusion of the FDA’s inspection of the company, investigators provided the company with an FDA 483a FSVP Observations form. In addition, the company’s hazard analysis did not take into account known food-related chemical hazards such as pesticides. The FDA emphasized that the company failed to verify that foreign suppliers had implemented adequate controls to ensure the safety of imported foods.
You can view the full warning letter here.
JC Finest Produce Inc.
Mesquite, Texas
On June 24, JC received Finest Produce Inc. a warning for failing to develop an FSVP for imported products such as Persian limes, rambutans and Thai bananas. Despite multiple inspections, the company had not implemented measures to verify that their foreign suppliers were adhering to U.S. food safety standards.
At the end of the most revoked inspection, FDA investigators presented the company with an FDA 483a, FSVP Observations form. The FDA warned that continued noncompliance could result in the denial of food imports or the detention of products without a physical examination.
You can view the full warning letter here.
Green Day Produce, Inc.
Vernon, CA
Green Day Produce, which imports sea mushrooms, oyster mushrooms and Taiwanese mangoes, received a warning letter on July 11. The FDA found that the company had failed to evaluate the performance of its foreign suppliers and the risks posed by the foods it imported, as required by the U.S. government. Produce safety rule. At the end of the inspection, an FDA investigator presented them with an FDA 483a, FSVP Observations form. Although Green Day attempted to take corrective action, the FDA found their efforts insufficient and emphasized the need for more robust verification activities.
You can view the full warning letter here.
Troya Del Campo USA LLC
McAllen, Texas
Troya Del Campo USA LLC was cited on September 4 for significant failures in its FSVP, particularly for the import of fresh produce such as avocados, cilantro and broccoli. Despite two inspections, the company had not implemented an FSVP that ensures imported foods meet U.S. safety standards. At the end of the most recent inspection, an FDA investigator presented them with an FDA 483a FSVP Observations form. The FDA emphasized that without compliance, imports of Troya Del Campo could be detained without a physical examination.
You can view the full warning letter here.
JJH Trading Inc.
El Monte, CA
On September 11, JJH Trading Inc. was incorporated. warned against not developing or maintaining an FSVP for foods such as broad beans, ground chilli, nut snacks and dried mango slices. The company failed to conduct required risk assessments for its foreign suppliers and failed to respond to FDA inspection observations. At the conclusion of the FDA’s inspection of the company, an FDA investigator presented them with an FDA 483a FSVP Observations form. The FDA urged the company to comply with FSVP regulations or risk having their imported foods denied entry into the US
You can view the full warning letter here.
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