FDA Files Injunction Against Peregrina Cheese

WASHINGTONThe U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), filed a complaint seeking an injunction against Brooklyn-based Peregrina Cheese, Inc. that would temporarily stop the company and its officers from manufacturing and distributing food until further action is taken by the court.

The complaint alleges the company has an extensive history of operating under unsanitary conditions and producing cheese contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Peregrina Cheese, Inc. prepares and processes a variety of cheeses, sour cream, flan and gelatin products and distributes them to specialty grocery stores in northeastern Pennsylvania and in the New York City area.

According to the complaint, on numerous occasions since 2004, FDA investigators found Listeria monocytogenes in finished cheese products and inside Peregrina Cheeses facility. Routine laboratory testing by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) also found Listeria in the companys products on numerous occasions since 2003.

FDA and NYSDAM inspections also revealed the company repeatedly violated the current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements for foods. Investigators found filthy conditions, standing water in food processing equipment, workers inappropriately dressed and a dead rodent inside the plant.

The governments complaint alleges that both the FDA and NYSDAM repeatedly advised Peregrina Cheese and its officers of their cGMP violations; NYSDAM also has assessed fines against the company.