FDA Flattens Tortilla Manufacturer

WASHINGTONThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Chicago-based Del Rey Tortilleria, Inc., its president and two general managers have entered into a consent decree of permanent injunction that prevents Del Rey Tortilleria from manufacturing and distributing soft-shell flour tortillas until the company obtains FDA approval.

The action follows the company's extensive history of violating FDAs current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements for food. The complaint, filed by the United States Attorney in Chicago, alleges that Del Rey Tortilleria's manufacturing operations do not adequately protect consumers against the risk of contamination.

During FDA inspections, the agency found several violations, including cleaning chemicals stored improperly, unsuitable containers used for food processing and other unsanitary conditions inside the plant. According to the complaint, flour tortillas manufactured by Del Rey Tortilleria were associated with several outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness in school children, resulting in a product recall by the company.