Well, the FDA finally released their findings from the Texas PCA plant earlier this week, here are just some of the 'highlights' -
* A dead mouse stuck to a glue trap. "The mouse appeared to have died recently," the report reads.
* "What appeared to be rodent excreta pellets too numerous to count were observed in the cabinet under the sink in the south most kitchen."
* "In the cabinet north of the dishwasher ... I counted approximately 27 rodent excreta pellets."
* "Another dead mouse was found just outside the south most doorway of the kitchen. ... This mouse also appeared to have recently died."
* "What appeared to be a bird's nest was observed in the wall/ceiling metal support beam at southwest corner of the mezzanine area."
* Processing machines had buildup of "gooey" peanut paste.
* Numerous roof leaks.
In an ironic twist, it turns out that a Texas State Health Inspector regularly drove past the Plainview, TX PCA plant that the state didn't know existed on his way to other jobs -
A state inspector drove by the Plainview plant regularly on his way to other jobs, but he never entered the facility.
"I find it inconceivable that an inspector could pass the plant and not know food was processed there," Estes said. "We need a mechanism where people are aware of what's happening in their communities."
Also, an AP article from yesterday notes how easy it was for PCA to fool inspectors into believing it was licensed -
Jack McCasland, environmental inspector for the Plainview-Hale County Health Department, said plant officials led him to believe the licensing process was under way when he visited the facility before it opened.
"To be honest, I never really thought to follow up on it," McCasland said. "It just never occurred to me that they wouldn't be (licensed)." |
