Unsanitary sprouts producer shut down

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- U.S. health officials said they went to court to stop a Chicago sprout producer from processing and distributing food until it addresses unsanitary conditions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in the complaint filed in connection with the consent decree, U Joo Foods and its owner prepared, packed and held sprouts under unsanitary conditions. The FDA conducted an inspection in 2012 to determine if the firm corrected violations found in 2011.

During the 2012 inspection, the FDA found U Joo Foods continued to have deficiencies, including workers who did not sanitize their gloves prior to touching sprouts, inadequate toilet and hand-washing facilities and inadequate cleaning procedures evidenced by residues of sprouts on the production equipment.

Kiyoung Chin, the owner and president of U Joo Foods, agreed to enter into a consent decree of permanent injunction sought by the Justice Department on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The ready-to-eat sprouts were distributed primarily in the Chicago area, the FDA said.