Food Safety and Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C. 20250-3700

News Release

Congressional and Public Affairs
Elizabeth Lapping (202) 720-9113

Florida Firm to Remain in Business Under Agreement With USDA

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2002--Jacob Fleishman Cold Storage, Inc., a Miami, Fla., USDA approved import/export facility entered into a consent decision on Nov. 2, 2001, with the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today.

Jacob Fleishman Cold Storage, Inc. (formerly Jacob Fleishman and Sons, Inc., and Custom Cold Storage and Services, Inc.) was convicted in federal court in 1998 of meat and poultry violations. Jacob Fleishman and Sons, Inc. was convicted of one felony count for allowing meat products to become contaminated by rodents. Custom Cold Storage and Services, Inc. was convicted of one felony count for distributing rodent-contaminated poultry products. Under terms of the consent decision, the withdrawal of inspection will be held in abeyance for 38 months as long as the firm continues to meet specified conditions, including the following:

• The firm must establish and maintain a program to train and educate company employees on proper handling and storage of meat, poultry, and egg products.

• The firm cannot violate any federal or state laws or regulations involving meat or poultry products.

• The firm must include pest control services in its sanitation standard operating procedures, to include treatment and prevention of rodents and insects throughout its facilities.

• The firm must take necessary actions to prevent meat and poultry products from becoming adulterated by insanitary conditions.

Any violation of these terms may result in the withdrawal of inspection services at Jacob Fleishman Cold Storage, Inc., which in effect shuts down its operations. Federal statutes allow FSIS to withdraw a grant of inspection from firms and persons that are convicted of any felony or of multiple misdemeanors involving food.

This legal action resulted from an investigation conducted by FSIS compliance officers. FSIS is responsible for ensuring that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled.

For Further Information, Contact:
FSIS Congressional and Public Affairs Staff
Phone: (202) 720-9113
Fax: (202) 690-0460

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