FDA Warns Two Fish Importers of HACCP Violations, Threatens Import Refusal
Two fish importers in New York have been put on notice by the Food and Drug Administration that their products may be refused admission at the border. Galil Importing Corp. of Syosset (here) and Eddie's Place (dba Esther Kwakyewa) of the Bronx (here) were each recently sent warning letters detailing alleged violations of seafood hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) regulations.
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In a letter dated May 6, FDA says an inspection of Galil’s facility turned up fish products that had been “prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions.” FDA noted problems in Galil’s ready-to-eat canned tuna in vegetable oil, sardines in vegetable oil and canned sardines in olive oil. The agency redacted the country of origin in the public version of the warning letter. In a separate letter also dated May 6, FDA told Eddie’s Place that laboratory analysis on an entry of smoked fish, salted fish, and fried fish found the products to be uneviscerated and contaminated by Salmonella. The entry was refused admission, said FDA.
FDA told both companies that their fish products may become subject to detention without physical examination and refusal of admission if the problems aren’t corrected. The agency also said each company may be liable for reinspection fees to cover costs associated with FDA officials having to go back and verify compliance.