FDA Investigates Chinese Food Warehouse for Rodent Infestation

MCKEES ROCKS, PA. — A major supplier to Chinese food restaurants throughout the Northeast and into the Midwest was found to have rodent nests in coolers, flying birds, and feces on food in its warehouse, the Food and Drug Administration said.

The New Yung Wah Trading Company’s warehouse in McKees Rocks, Pa., was inspected by the FDA in October, according to the agency’s warning letter to the company dated Dec. 9. Officials say they found:

• An active rodent’s nest in a cooler with rib meat and winter melons.

• Dead rodent bodies and birds flying throughout the warehouse.

• Rodent excreta inside cartons of pineapples.

• Bags of monosodium glutamate appeared to have rodent excreta in the plastic wrapping of the products, and rodent urine stains appeared under a black light.

• Structural deficiencies, including standing water from poor drainage in the facility, as well as obstructed work spaces from the volume of products.

The company had responded to the FDA with a letter in November saying it had aggressively addressed the citations from the inspectors.