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FDA shuts down Sunland peanut butter plant; marks first use of FSMA power |
11.30.2012
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On Monday, the Food & Drug Administration suspend the registration for New Mexico-based Sunland, forcing the closure of the plant. It was the first time the FDA had used the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) powers to shut down a U.S.-based facility.
Sunland is appealing the closure, saying it received no advance notice from the FDA. The company denies that it knowingly shipped tainted organic peanut butter that made its way into 240 products, including many from major retailers and organic food brands. The company says it is overhauling its procedures, and hopes to resume production by early 2013.
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The occasion was used by food safety advocates to press for fuller implementation of other FSMA powers, and adds urgency to the nearing December 31 deadline for food facility registration for 2013. Domestic food producers, as well as foreign ones that export to the US, are required to register their facilities or risk being banned.
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