FDA acts to prevent distribution of food from rodent-infested facility

SILVER SPRING, Md., Feb. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. Marshals today seized about $200,000 worth of food products from Bedford Cheese Store Inc. in Shelbyville, Tenn., after U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigators found evidence of rodents throughout the company's facility.

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An FDA inspection found rodent feces, rodent hair, rodent nesting material, and building defects that could allow rodents and other pests to enter food storage areas and other areas that apparently contributed to the infestation.

Products seized at Bedford Cheese included cheese, frozen foods, pastas, salad dressings, prepared salads, soups, and various bulk ingredients. The products are adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act because they have been held under unsanitary conditions and may have become contaminated with filth.

"The violations at Bedford Cheese are widespread and significant," said Dara A. Corrigan, the FDA's associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. "This enforcement action was taken because the company failed to provide adequate safeguards to ensure that products they produce or hold for sale remain free of contamination."

In a written response to the FDA following the inspection, Bedford Cheese committed to cleaning up its facility. However, the company failed to complete all corrective actions, including the development and implementation of a pest control plan to rid the facility of the active rodent infestation.

Media Inquiries: Stephanie Yao, 301-796-0394, stephanie.yao@fda.hhs.gov

Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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