A company was ordered to destroy $171,000 worth of red chili, no later than March 17, 2011. Federal authorities said it was contaminated by rodent droppings, urine, insect larvae and roaches. The company will pay for destroying the produce under supervision of the Food and Drug Administration
Rodent nest were allegedly found in the chili. There was also evidence that mice had gnawed, defecated and urinated on the chili pods. Court documents showed that the food warehouse was also allegedly home to a live cat, live birds, bird nesting, bird droppings, animal feces, animal urine, lice, dead insects, insect larvae and moth-like insects.
Deputy marshals, asset forfeiture specialist and FDA investigators all wore surgical masks and gloves during the raid to protect themselves from rodent borne diseases. 45,730 pounds of Mexican chili was seized. The 80,000 square foot warehouse was locked up to prevent anyone from removing or disposing of the contaminated chili. The FDA is leading a civil case charging food adulteration against the owners.
“Termite” Terry says that if you have a food warehouse of this type, effective pest control services are no place to cut corners. The owner in this story lost $171,000 dollars worth of inventory and when you consider how much business he had lost due to being shut down and that his reputation has been destroyed, a good and effective pest control service would have saved him a fortune. Need help with pest control services? Call or office at (949) 631-7348 or click on order form and we’ll schedule an appointment at your convenience.
