Report Says Mildew, Other Problems Found at Plant

According to a report released Monday by the state Department of Agriculture, investigators discovered mildew on a ceiling and other problems in 2008 at a peanut butter producing plant in Georgia that has been linked to a Salmonella outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported approximately 500 cases of salmonella illnesses in 43 states from the most recent outbreak, and says the bacterial infection may have been a factor in seven deaths.

Responding to the just released report, Peanut Corp. of America says, however, the problems were minor and were generally taken care of. The company halted production this month at its Blakely plant and has conducted a nationwide recall of peanut butter and peanut paste produced at its facility after July 1 of last year.

Noting an inspection report from Aug. 23, 2007, The New York Times highlighted at least three incidences in which "food-contact surfaces" were "not properly cleaned and sanitized."

In an apparent counter to the Times article, PCA released a statement noting, "When the observations were noted during inspections by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, corrective action was taken immediately where possible and subsequently when immediate action was not possible."

In an Oct. 23, 2008 report, an inspector reportedly discovered"mildew and possibly some static dust on ceiling of butter storage room." The report did not specify the amount of mildew.

A June 2008 inspection of PCA's Blakely plant discovered violations that included dust buildup on a fan in the butter room, and "possible metal flakes from metal scrubber which is used to clean outside of equipment," according to an inspection report. The report did not note where the flakes were discovered.

PCA reports that the peanut butter and peanut paste made at the Blakely plant were sold in bulk to manufacturers, and that the recall does not include any peanut butter jars sold directly to consumers.