FDA warns Whole Foods over unsanitary conditions in kitchen

The Food and Drug Administration has sent Whole Foods Market a letter over “serious violations” at a Massachusetts kitchen, warning the grocer that food prepared there “may have been contaminated with filth.”

The FDA describes multiple inspections conducted during February at the Everett kitchen, which had condensate from ceiling joints dripping onto work surfaces below. Other violations included employees not washing hands or changing gloves in between tasks, for example.

Representatives for the Austin, Texas-based retailer said they have addressed and corrected each of the issues listed in the FDA letter.

“The thorough and tangible steps that were taken in the North Atlantic Kitchen to address each of these points were not reflected in the FDA’s follow-up letter, and we have contacted them to discuss the matter,” Whole Foods said.