WASHINGTON, May 16, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration announced the closing of two cream cheese and seafood companies
for violating food safety laws.
The FDA said the firms' top executives -- Julie and Edward Smolyansky -- signed
a consent decree of permanent injunction, agreeing to close Lifeway Foods Inc.
and its subsidiary, LFI Enterprises Inc. until they are found in compliance with
the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The action halts cream cheese and
seafood processing at facilities in Skokie, Ill., and in Philadelphia.
The company is accused, among other things, of distributing cream cheese
products with labels that didn't disclose major food allergens, trans fat levels
and complete ingredient lists; processing seafood products without adequate
plans to ensure safe and sanitary processing; and failing to maintain hand
washing, hand sanitizing and toilet facilities.
Under the consent decree, operations may resume only after the FDA determines
the companies are in full compliance will all food-safety requirements.
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