Dog and cat food supplier Lea-Way Farms Inc. recently received a warning letter from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after the agency uncovered “significant’ violations of food safety regulations at the firm’s Statesville, NC pet food manufacturing plant. 

During an FDA investigation at the Statesville plant carried out from September 30 to October 25 in 2019, the agency said it observed several violations of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventative Controls for Food for Animals regulation (21 CFR Part 507). 

Among the CGMP violations, inspectors determined the company, doing business as Blue Ridge Beef, did not examine raw materials to make sure they were suitable for use in animal food manufacturing and processing; did not design its production plant in a manner that reduces contamination of animal food; and did not take adequate precautions in plant operations to prevent animal food contamination. 

FDA found that the plant’s plumbing was not properly designed, installed and maintained to prevent sewage and liquid disposable waste from creating an unsanitary condition. Officials said the company did not maintain holding and conveying systems to prevent contamination. 

The investigation also revealed that Blue Ridge Beef failed to register the facility as required by section 415(a)(3) of the FD&C Act. Lea-Way Farms must register the facility within 30 working days of receiving the FDA’s warning letter. 

To read the full text of the letter, click here. 

Blue Ridge Beef sells raw dog and cat food and pet treats.