Sprouters Northwest Inspection Report Indicates Observations of Concern
The Salmonella sprouts outbreak associated with clover sprouts from Sprouters Northwest prompted an FDA inspection that noted eight areas of observational concern about the cleanliness and condition of equipment and facilities.
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According to a copy of Form 483 completed by the team of five FDA inspectors, problems they observed ranged from leaky roof, rodent harborage, food buildup on equipment, potential cross-contamination of sprout bins and the presence of Listeria monocytogenes on a production table.
Sprouters Northwest Inc. of Kent, Washington, recalled all clover and clover mix products because they had the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The sprouts were associated with at least 7 illnesses in Washington and Oregon. In addition, Wal-Mart of British Columbia, Canada, also has recalled Sprouters Northwest brand Deli Sprouts in conjunction with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The company's recall included clover sprouts, Brocco sandwich sprouts, Deli sprouts, clover onion sprouts and Spicy sprouts.
The observations of concern as listed in the report were backed up by specific examples, but here are the 8 overall observations:
- Failure to take necessary precautions to protect against contamination of food and food contact surfaces with microorganisms and foreign substances.
- Failure to clean food-contact surfaces as frequently as necessary to protect against contamination of food.
- Failure to clean non-food-contact surfaces of equipment as frequently as necessary to protect against contamination.
- Effective measures are not being taken to protect against the contamination of food on the premises by pests.
- Failure to store equipment, remove litter and cut weeds that may be an attractant to pests.
- Failure to maintain buildings, fixtures and other facilities in sanitary condition.
- Failure to hold raw material in bulk in suitable containers.
- Failure to maintain buildings and physical facilities in repair sufficient to prevent food from becoming adulterated.
