The FDA recently shut down a Waynesboro, Virginia food preparation and storage facility after inspectors discovered active rodent and insect infestations at the site. U.S. Marshals seized contaminated food products from the two food firms that share the facility: Gourmet Provisions, LLC and Royal Cup, Inc. The companies were cited for numerous health and safety violations including presence of widespread rodent and insect infestations, unclean equipment and structural defects.

The FDA report notes that effective pest control measures had not been taken to exclude rodents and insects from the premises, protect food products from pest contamination or keep food contact surfaces free of contamination.

“These companies have a responsibility for the safety and quality of their products,” FDA associate commission Melinda Plaisier said in a news release. “When firms do not uphold this responsibility, the FDA will take actions that demonstrate its commitment to assuring consumers that foods they buy are prepared, packaged and held under sanitary conditions.”

While no illnesses related to the ice cream and coffee products prepared and stored at the Virginia facility had yet been reported, the FDA noted that consumers may not immediately associate any symptoms of illness with consumption of these contaminated food items.

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