The Department of Health and Human Services of the FDA, after inspecting the Diamond Pet Food facility at Gaston, South Carolina on April 20, 2012, listed some of the following observations.
Observation 1:
All reasonable precautions are not taken to ensure procedures do not contribute contamination from any source.
Specifically, no microbial analysis is conducted or there is no assurance that incoming animal fat will not introduce pathogens into their production and cause contamination of finished product. Also, the firm’s current sampling procedure for animal digest does preclude potential for adulteration after sampling and during storage in warehouses. On 4/13/12, an employee was observed touching in-line fat filter and oil with bare hands.
Observation 2:
Failure to provide hand washing and hand sanitizing at each location in the plant where needed.
Specifically, there are no facilities for hand washing and hand sanitizing in the production areas where there is direct contact with exposed finished feed/food.
Observation 3:
Failure to maintain equipment, containers and utensils used to convey, hold and store food in a manner that protects against contamination.
Specifically, paddles in conveyor (South or Middle conveyor leading to the screeners going to packaging) were observed to have gouges and cuts, which exhibited feed residues. The damage to the paddles may allow for harborage areas for microorganisms and are difficult to clean and sanitize.
Observation 4:
Failure to maintain equipment so as to facilitate cleaning of the equipment.
Specifically, firm utilizes cardboard, duct tape and other non cleanable surfaces on equipment. These materials were observed to have residues adhering. The foam gaskets around access doors to the bucket elevators were observed in deteriorating condition and exhibited an accumulation of feed residues and dust.
These are very serious discoveries affecting the health and well-being of our pets. Why don’t pet food companies themselves,,who outsource manufacture of their products, run regular inspections of these plants.
Despite all the so-called claims of quality checks by Diamond Pet Food, there are major problems putting our pets at risk. This brings into question any other Diamond Pet Food manufacturing facilities. How safe is the food manufactured anywhere by Diamond.
