FDA warns six importers in five states for food safety failures tied to tea, produce and sauces

As part of its enforcement activities, the Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not posted for public view until weeks or months after they are sent. Business owners have 15 days to respond to FDA warning letters. Warning letters often are not issued until a company has been given months or years to correct problems. Portions of the letters are often redacted from public view.

The FDA has issued warning letters to six food importers in California, Hawaii, Maryland, Nevada and Texas for significant violations of the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), saying the companies failed to ensure imported foods met U.S. food safety requirements.