Seattle soy plant becomes first in WA to have food-processing license revoked
Mar 15, 2013, 7:16 AM | Updated: 7:34 am
(File, Associated Press)
(File, Associated Press)
A Seattle soy food manufacturer has been shut down for repeated unsanitary conditions.
The Seattle Times reports it’s the first time the state has ever revoked a business’ food-processing license.
How unsanitary were things at Chu Minh Corporation?
How’s this – dead rats, live rats, live pigeons, dead pigeons, fecal droppings and insects – were all found near food at the plant.
On top of that, workers couldn’t wash their hands because the sinks were so full of other equipment, they couldn’t reach the faucets.
The latest failed health inspection was just last month. Last August, among many other infractions, a health inspector noted pigeons perched on open metal vats full of soybeans soaking outdoors. And at least 35 rodent excretions under the sink in the employee restroom.
For years Chu Minh has supplied products to popular local Asian markets like Uwajimaya and 99 Ranch Market. Those products are no longer on the shelves and if the state has its way they never will be again. The owner is appealing.
Thankfully, no one has ever reported becoming sick after consuming any of Chu Minh’s products (soy milk, fresh tofu, fried tofu, tofu pudding and tofu syrup.)
