In a letter to the CEO of Foster Farms, Ron Foster, the FSIS inspectors in Almeda said they were withholding inspection marks and withdrawing inspectors from the plant because of “egregious insanitary conditions observed in your establishment”.

“This is evidenced by findings of an infestation of live cockroaches in and around your production areas, that created insanitary conditions, and demonstrate that your firm failed to maintain an effective pest control program and other sanitary controls to assure that wholesome, unadulterated meat and poultry products are produced at your facility,” the letter said.
The withdrawal of inspectors automatically suspends production at the Livingston California plant.

On 8 January, FSIS inspection personnel observed and documented findings of live cockroaches at a hand wash sink in the plant during production.

At the time, slaughter operations were in progress, and exposed product was present on the kill floor.

FSIS inspection personnel took a withholding action because of the presence of live
cockroaches in the production area at the plant.

FSIS inspectors also documented non-compliances related to cockroaches in the production areas on four occasions between 1 August 2013, and 8 January 2014.

• On 7January 2014, FSIS documented a noncompliance for live cockroaches
found during production on a grey plastic tub that is a direct product contact
surface.

• On 28 December 2013, FSIS documented a noncompliance for live
cockroaches found during production to the left of the faucet of Inspection
Station 7.

• On 4 November 2013, FSIS documented a noncompliance for live
cockroaches found during production next to the sanitizer dispenser box,
which is located on the wall next to the ice machine.

• On 14 September 2013, FSIS documented a noncompliance for live
cockroaches found during production on the floor between the liver
tumbler/belt and the wall.

FSIS said that inspectors had observed and documented cockroaches in the plant on multiple days (including on two consecutive days), in multiple locations within the
establishment. T

“These recent findings of egregious insanitary conditions related to a An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer cockroach infestation in your facility indicate that your establishment is not being operated and maintained in sanitary condition, or in a manner to ensure that product is not adulterated,” FSIS said in the letter.

“As demonstrated by the findings of pests in your facility, your establishment failed to prevent conditions that could lead to insanitary conditions, where products may have been rendered adulterated and/or injurious to health. “