Source: Boston Business Journal
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has sent a warning letter to Taiyo Seafood Boston Inc. alleging that an inspection of a food processing plant showed that the company has several serious violations of seafood regulations, including a failure to adequately control bacteria and toxins for tuna and mackerel meant to be consumed raw.
The agency said an inspection of the Quincy, Mass., plant between May 10-23, 2012 showed that the company did not conduct a hazard analysis for each kind of fish, including raw Spanish mackerel and vacuum-packed yellowtail, to control food safety hazards including toxins, bacteria and parasites.
The FDA said the company failed to adequately monitor that there is enough ice surrounding the seafood products and to ensure the cooler temperature is a minimum of 40 degrees Fahrenheit, as the company’s own food safety plan stipulates.
The FDA requested that the company respond within 15 days, and the letter said the agency could take “further action to seize your product(s) and/or enjoin your firm from operating."
Tian Tian, the general manager of the parent company, Taiyo International, said that a language barrier may have caused some miscommunication with FDA officials during the inspection. He said the company is very eager to resolve the issues with the FDA. "We want to make sure we don't violate any FDA rules and continue to operate as a business", he said. Taiyo International, which also sells a variety of dried and frozen foods, has locations in Massachusetts, Maryland and New York.