FDA WARNING_LETTER - Southwind Foods LLC dba Great American Seafood Imports Co. - March 28, 2012

The FDA issued a Warning Letter to Southwind Foods, LLC (DBA: Great American Seafood Imports) following an inspection of their Los Angeles facility from March 19-28, 2012, and analysis of "SNAPPER FILL IQF (ROCKFISH)" product samples collected in December 2011. The product was found to be in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Specifically, the "SNAPPER FILL IQF (ROCKFISH)" product is adulterated under Section 402(b)(2) because laboratory analysis confirmed Red Cod was substituted for Rockfish or Snapper. It is also misbranded under Section 403(b) for being offered for sale under a different name than its actual species, and under Section 403(a)(1) due to false and misleading labeling that declares Snapper and Rockfish when it is Red Cod. Furthermore, the product is misbranded under Section 403(w) as its label fails to declare the correct species name for a major food allergen, identifying it as "SNAPPER FILL IQF (ROCKFISH)" instead of "Red Cod." The FDA also noted an incorrect country of origin (Canada instead of New Zealand) on relabeled product, for which the firm indicated a voluntary recall and correction but provided no documentation. The firm must respond within fifteen working days, detailing specific corrective actions, including documentation, and explaining any delays. Failure to promptly correct these violations could lead to product seizure or an injunction against the firm's operations.