US seizes 5,000 cases of Rome Packing’s crab products over listeria concerns

US federal government officials have seized around 5,000 cases of frozen crab products, processed by Rhode Island-based Rome Packing Company, over listeria concerns.

According to the officials, Rome Packing processed Jonah crab products in a facility that was found to be tainted with listeria monocytogenes, which can sometimes cause life-threatening illness.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an inspection of Rome Packing’s facility six times, and during those inspections, the agency pointed out that the company’s cooking process for crabs did not sufficiently meet control temperatures to prevent the growth of pathogens such as listeria monocytogenes.

The authorities collected environmental swab samples from three areas of the company’s facility, which were allegedly found to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. The inspection also apparently revealed poor sanitary practices in the facility, which may have lead to cross-contamination between finished and raw food products.

The frozen crab products were seized by the US Marshals Service from warehouses in Lakeville, Massachusetts, which were being monitored by the FDA.

According to court documents, Rome Packing is presently in receivership.

Last May, the firm recalled its Ocean’s Catch brand of minced crab meat, and almost five months later, recalled the Ocean’s Catch brand of crab legs and other crab meat products over concerns of listeria contamination.

US attorney Carmen M Ortiz said: "In partnership with the FDA, we are working to ensure food safety. Lax sanitary practices in the preparation and storage of food products endanger public health. Where necessary, we will intervene to prevent contaminated food from reaching consumers."

US FDA associate commissioner for regulatory affairs Melinda K Plaisier said: "Thanks to the collaboration between the FDA and the Department of Justice, we have ensured that the adulterated crab produced by Rome Packing doesn’t make its way to consumers."