FDA EIR - Whitmore Family Enterprise, LLC dba Taza Chocolates - March 15, 2017

An FDA inspection was conducted on March 15, 2017, at Whitmore Family Enterprise, LLC, operating as Taza Chocolates, located in Somerville, MA. This inspection was carried out under the FY 2017 FDA Food Sanitation Contract, adhering to CP 7303.803 (Domestic Food Safety), for this manufacturer and distributor of bulk and wrapped chocolate products. The inspection revealed several significant issues related to facility maintenance, sanitation, and pest control. Violations included deep cracks in the floors of the roasting and processing rooms, peeling floor paint, and an overall plant design not conducive to public tours in processing areas without risking product contamination. Critical sanitation concerns involved inadequate aisle maintenance, improper storage with shelves not 6 inches off the floor, and the presence of unneeded items. Furthermore, an unshielded overhead light was noted in the packaging room, and structural deficiencies like gaps in the receiving door and open conduit pipes indicated potential pest entry points. A major finding was the observation of over 100 rodent excreta pellets in the sub-material storage area and on overhead structures. Additionally, there was a lack of overhead shielding for the refiner's hopper and holding tanks, posing a contamination risk. The firm's Director of Operations was presented with the findings. During the inspection, employee beverages were removed from processing areas. The inspection concluded with a "Voluntary Action Indicated" (VAI) status, requiring routine follow-up, and the company was provided with several FDA guidance documents related to food safety regulations.