California Company Restricted from Adulterated Food Production Following Federal Court Order

Federal Court Restricts Cali Rice Valley Inc. Activities

Today, a federal court issued an injunction prohibiting Cali Rice Valley Inc., based in California, from producing and distributing adulterated food products, citing violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).

Allegations and Violations

The civil complaint, filed on October 11, 2022, accused Cali Rice Valley Inc. and its general manager and co-owner, Cuong T. Do, of FDCA violations at their current facility in Antioch, California, and a previous location in San Francisco.

The company specializes in manufacturing and distributing various food products, including ready-to-eat rice noodles and bakery items.

FDCA Breaches

The complaint contended that the defendants failed to conduct proper hazard analyses or implement preventive controls, risking contamination of their food products with disease-causing bacteria.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted multiple inspections between 2019 and 2022, identifying repeated violations from previous inspections.

Government’s Response

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton emphasized the duty of food manufacturers to ensure product quality and safety.

He reaffirmed the Justice Department’s collaboration with the FDA to address violations that jeopardize public health.

FDA’s Stance

Associate Commissioner Michael Rogers for Regulatory Affairs highlighted the FDA’s commitment to ensuring food safety, emphasizing the firm’s responsibility to maintain consistent product safety and accountability for any failure to meet those standards.

Consent Decree and Settlement

In response to the government’s suit, Cali Rice Valley Inc. and Do agreed to a settlement and consent decree of permanent injunction.

The negotiated decree bars the defendants from violating the FDCA, necessitating the cessation of manufacturing, processing, and distributing adulterated food articles.

Enforcement and Prosecution

Trial attorneys from the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, along with assistance from the FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel, prosecuted the case.

The Consumer Protection Branch’s enforcement efforts are accessible on the Justice Department’s website.

Note on Allegations

The claims addressed by the consent decree remain allegations, and liability has not been determined conclusively.

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn