Sprout and Noodle Company to Cease Operations Due to Unsanitary Conditions
The DOJ entered a consent decree of permanent injunction on behalf of the FDA
The U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota has ordered Kwong Tung Foods, Inc., doing business as Canton Foods, to cease operations due to unsanitary conditions. The court motioned this action on behalf of the FDA, which announced the result in a press release.
The FDA alleges the Minneapolis-based rice and noodle seller has an extensive history of operating under unsanitary conditions that violate Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations and the FD&C Act.
FDA investigators observed numerous unsanitary conditions such as: rodent waste, improper cleaning, mold on equipment, failure to prevent cross contamination, and improper employee sanitation practices. The agency conducted multiple investigations in 2014 and 2015.
“The FDA expects food companies to follow cGMP regulations, and when a company does not address violations and sanitary protocols are being neglected, it poses potentially hazardous conditions,” said Melinda K. Plaisier, the FDA’s associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. “The FDA is taking the necessary actions to protect consumers and the U.S. food supply.”
After receiving a warning letter and participating in meetings with the FDA, Kwong Tung Foods failed to take corrective measures.