First Commercial Kitchen LLC closed on January 24, 2011 when its permit to operate was suspended after product samples showed evidence of being improperly manufactured, and the company was unable to provide any records to show that safe food processing was performed. DOH inspections identified a number of permit violations related to improper physical production plant design and maintenance, inadequate manufacturing processes, lack of product testing, and failure to meet documentation requirements. To protect public health, and ensure the safety of food products manufactured and sold in Hawaii, the DOH issued a cease and desist order and recalled numerous First Commercial Kitchen products.
Many companies were affected by the product recall, and the department provided each business an opportunity to provide evidence of its product safety and be removed from the recall list. The DOH Food and Drug Branch staff expedited product reviews in order to clear products as quickly as possible. A revised recall list was issued and posted daily by the department.
As with any food establishment operating in Hawaii, all food safety rules and regulations must be adhered to by the owners to provide the residents and visitors of Hawaii safe and wholesome food. Inadequate control measures during the manufacture and packaging of food products can lead to the potential for bacteria growth which can cause food poisoning.
DOH Sanitation Branch inspectors worked closely with First Commercial Kitchen LLC to provide the consultation, training and oversight needed to reinstate their permit. Less than 24 hours after the permit suspension, inspectors provided thorough and specific instruction on the actions that must be taken to reopen the business. Site improvements were immediately inspected to ensure compliance and allow the business to reopen and manufacture food products safely in Hawaii.
The DOH Sanitation Branch has also offered to First Commercial Kitchen the opportunity to attend free department conducted food safety certification workshops for owners and employees to better protect the public’s health. These classes are open to all businesses.
As a result of the permit reinstatement, the DOH is issuing an update on the revised list of recalled products manufactured by First Commercial Kitchen LLC based on new information received. The previous list should be disregarded and replaced by this list.
Current List of Recalled Products Produced By First Commercial Kitchen:
Barb’s Favorite Recipes Brand
Barb’s Local Style Black Bean Sauce
Barb’s Kal-Bi Sauce
Mom’s Recipe Sauce
Pacific Poultry Huli-Huli Sauce (manufactured prior to May 10, 2011) The recently manufactured, safe, non-recalled product can be easily identified by making sure that the pull date is “BEST BY APRIL 2012” or later.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
