Two companies violate food safety laws

WASHINGTON, May 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the closing of two cream cheese and seafood companies for violating food safety laws.

The FDA said the firms' top executives -- Julie and Edward Smolyansky -- signed a consent decree of permanent injunction, agreeing to close Lifeway Foods Inc. and its subsidiary, LFI Enterprises Inc. until they are found in compliance with the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The action halts cream cheese and seafood processing at facilities in Skokie, Ill., and in Philadelphia.

The company is accused, among other things, of distributing cream cheese products with labels that didn't disclose major food allergens, trans fat levels and complete ingredient lists; processing seafood products without adequate plans to ensure safe and sanitary processing; and failing to maintain hand washing, hand sanitizing and toilet facilities.

Under the consent decree, operations may resume only after the FDA determines the companies are in full compliance will all food-safety requirements.