Art’s Tamale of Metamora was ordered to close
Wednesday, May 21, following a two-and-a-half hour hearing at the
Illinois Department of Agriculture building in Springfield.
The administrative law judge presiding in the case issued the
revocation order after listening to testimony that department meat
and poultry inspectors found rodent droppings in the plant on
numerous occasions the past 12 months and management had failed to
take corrective action.
The department’s complaint accused Art’s Tamale of preparing,
packing or holding product under unsanitary conditions where it may
become contaminated with filth and of failing to have in place a
pest control management program to prevent the harborage and
breeding of pests.
Art’s Tamales will have 30 days to appeal the judge’s ruling once
his written order is received.
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The Bureau of Meat and Poultry Inspection is responsible for
administration of the Illinois Meat and Poultry Inspection Act,
which regulates the wholesomeness, labeling and advertising of
meat and poultry products. Inspections cover all aspects of
intrastate slaughter and processing, from ante mortem inspection
to the distribution of products to retailers. Currently, the
bureau inspects 243 establishments statewide.
[Text received; JEFF SQUIBB, ILLINOIS
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE] |