FDA finds food-poisoning bacteria listeria at Kellogg cookie factory

The Food and Drug Administration found listeria at an Augusta, Ga. Kellogg plant where Keebler and other cookies are made. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause food poisoning.

Listeria was discovered on and around production-line conveyor belts, but not in any food items. The FDA also noted pooling water that was dripping into an open mixer bowl and flies swarming near food mixers.

In warning letter to Kellogg, the FDA stated that the conditions at the facility "demonstrate a failure of cleaning and sanitation operations that may allow for contamination of foods with filth or pathogens." The letter was sent after a February inspection. The agency is giving Kellogg 15 working days to come up with a plan of correction.

Kellogg Warning Letter [FDA]
FDA tells Kellogg to clean up cookie plant in Georgia [Los Angeles Times]
A.M. Vitals: FDA Inspectors Find Bacteria, Filth at Kellogg Factory [Wall Street Journal]

—Maggie Shader