FDA closes smoked seafood plant

Washington -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has directed Hope Food Supply Inc. of Pasadena, Texas, to close and recall all products produced since 2007.

The FDA said the company manufactured dried smoked catfish steaks and other smoked seafood products subject to a permanent injunction requiring it to implement a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plan to control food safety hazards. It didn't develop such a plan.

"We simply will not allow a company to put the public's health at risk by not implementing adequate procedures and plans to produce safe food," said Margaret Glavin, the FDA's associate commissioner for regulatory affairs.

"The FDA will take action against companies and against their executives who violate the law and endanger public health."

The company's products were distributed nationwide. The FDA is advising consumers who bought smoked seafood products to check with the place of purchase to determine if the products came from Hope Foods. If so, consumers are advised to discard the products.

The FDA said consumers who have been eating Hope Seafood Supply's smoked seafood products and have experienced adverse reactions should consult healthcare professionals.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.