Controversy Surrounds Inspection of Peanut Plants
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Peanut Corporation of America, the company at the center of the recent salmonella outbreak, claimed on Wednesday that its plant in Blakely, GA had been regularly inspected in 2008. The Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that the Georgia plant is the source of the tainted peanut butter which has caused the multi-state spread of salmonella.
The company alleges that federal and state officials visited the Georgia plant in 2008, as well as independent auditors. The independent audits, which were paid for by PCA in order to meet food manufacturers’ requirements, were intended to show the plant’s compliance with federal health and safety standards. The independent audits were conducted by AIB International. AIB gave the Georgia plant “superior” ratings, but the FDA is investigating whether AIB reviewed state inspection reports or the plant’s own internal tests on its products. After the salmonella was linked to peanut butter produced at the Georgia plant another inspection was conducted, revealing roaches, mold, a leaking roof and internal records of more than a dozen positive tests for salmonella.
The Associated Press reported on Monday that another peanut plant operated by PCA in Plainview TX was not inspected or licensed for over 4 years. The Texas plant was registered with the FDA, but it was not able to produce a current food producer’s license.
The salmonella outbreak has caused more than 500 illnesses and 8 deaths, and has resulted in more than a 1,000 food products being recalled. Major national brands of peanut butter are not affected by the recall, but a variety of peanut related products, including pet food, have been included. A complete list of recalled products is available here.