US: PepsiCo warned over “serious violations” at Frito-Lay plant

PepsiCo has been issued a warning letter by the US Food and Drug Administration over “serious violations” at its Tennessee Frito-Lay factory. The letter from the FDA, dated 4 August, revealed violations of FDA’s requirements on manufacturing, packing, or holding human food.

According to the letter, the plant had a leaking roof which “often directly over exposed product in the facility”, broken pipes and chocolate chip cookie dough was observed leaking from a pinch point on the dough hopper.

“Your plant and facility must be constructed in such a manner that floors, walls, and ceilings may be adequately cleaned and kept clean and kept in good repair; that drip or condensate from fixtures, ducts, and pipes does not contaminate food, food contact surfaces, or food packaging materials,” the FDA said in its letter.

The FDA warned it would take further action if PepsiCo did not “promptly correct” these violations, including seizing product and/or enjoin the firm from operating.