FDA Inspection of SanGar Processing Plant Finds Listeria
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As part of a Listeria outbreak investigation in Texas, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspected the SanGar Fresh Cut Produce processing plant because celery processed at the plant had been associated with the outbreak. Yesterday, the FDA released results of its laboratory testing of processed finished product and environmental samples taken from the SanGar processing plant on October 14-15. The results indicate the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, in processed celery (the suspected source of the outbreak) and in multiple locations in the plant environment, including on food contact surfaces. The listeria identified in FDA samples matches the DNA fingerprint of the clinical cases of listeriosis reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
The Listeria outbreak linked to Sangar celery resulted in at least four deaths, possibly 5. Several others were sickened but survived the illness. After epidemiologists linked the outbreak with the celery, the Texas DSHS ordered SanGar to stop processing food on October 20, 2010 and to recall all product shipped from the San Antonio plant since January. Contact our attorneys for Listeria lawsuit information.
