The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) makes sure food companies follow the rules to keep our food safe. Sometimes, they send out warning letters to companies when they’re not doing things right and these companies have 15 days to respond how they’ll fix the problems.
Recently, a food company in China called Pingdingshan Tianjing Plant Albumen Co., Ltd., received a warning from the FDA because they weren’t following the safety rules. The FDA checked their place in August 2023 and found some major concerns with the way they were making their Soy Protein Isolate, a food product we eat without any further cooking.
Here’s what went wrong:
- The company didn’t checked for dangerous bacteria (i.e. Salmonella). They should have also cleaned better and made sure harmful germs couldn’t get in the food.
- They didn’t prevented insects and other pests from getting into the places where they make and pack the food.
- They didn’t keep their outdoors area clean, which can attract pests.
- They were also sending certificates saying their products were safe without testing for germs like Salmonella and E. coli. That’s a red flag!
Another food company in California called Sheng Kee Bakery, got in trouble for some of the same concerns and for not being careful with allergens like nuts, milk, and eggs in their products. They forgot to put important allergy information on their mooncake labels, and they had insects in areas where they were mixing and storing food.
The FDA also said their Egg Bread and Green Tea & Milky Pudding had color additives that weren’t listed properly. Labels have to tell us everything that’s in our food, especially when it comes to colors and allergens.
It’s really important for food companies to follow the safety rules because it helps to keep everyone healthy. You can find the full warning letters on the FDA’s website if you want more detail.
The FDA and its Mission to Protect Public Health
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created to protect public health by making sure food, medicines, cosmetics, and other products are safe and effective.
The FDA’s history goes way back to the early 1900s. The agency grew over time as people realized how important it is to have rules for the things we eat and use. The FDA’s work affects almost every part of our lives, from the food we eat to the medicines we take.
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Understanding the Importance of FDA Warning Letters
The FDA’s warning letters are more than just a slap on the wrist. They serve as a critical tool for ensuring the safety of our food supply. Here’s why they are so important:
- Public Health Protection: Foodborne illnesses can be very serious, even deadly. By enforcing food safety regulations, the FDA helps prevent these illnesses and protects public health.
- Holding Companies Accountable: Warning letters put companies on notice that they need to fix the problems identified by the FDA. They also let the public know about potential safety concerns.
- Encouraging Compliance: The FDA’s goal is not to punish companies but to encourage them to follow the rules. Warning letters give companies a chance to correct their practices and improve their food safety standards.
The FDA’s actions show that food safety is a top priority. By carefully inspecting facilities and issuing warning letters when necessary, the FDA works to ensure that the food we eat is safe and properly labeled. Consumers can play a role too by staying informed about food safety and reporting any concerns they may have.
From The Club
It’s quite disappointing how some companies disregard food safety for the food products they make. Plus, it’s not a good thing that we have Chinese companies like Sheng Kee Bakery as examples, as they are some of the big snack producers in the world. I just hope FDA will continue making stricter food guidelines specially for food and snack manufacturers.