The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning letter to PepsiCo regarding the presence of salmonella at a Quaker Oats facility in the US. The FDA stated that salmonella may have been present at the facility three years prior to the recall of granola products in 2023. This issue led to the pause in production at the Illinois-based factory and subsequently the recall of various Quaker products.
According to the FDA, historical isolates of salmonella cubana were identified at the facility since at least 2020. Despite PepsiCo’s efforts to address the contamination by cleaning and sanitising the affected areas, salmonella was repeatedly detected at the site. The FDA emphasized that the company’s actions were not sufficient to prevent environmental contamination from recurring.
In response to the FDA’s concerns, PepsiCo announced plans to permanently shut down the Quaker Oats facility in Danville, Illinois. The company cited the need for enhancements and modernisation, and the relocation of production to other sites for oats, cereals, and snack bars. The FDA advised PepsiCo to consider similar changes at other facilities to prevent future contamination.
Failure to address the FDA’s concerns could result in legal action against PepsiCo, including seizure and injunction. It is crucial for the company to take necessary measures to prevent contamination and ensure food safety at all its facilities.
