Feds seize food from rodent-infested Durham warehouse

An inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from July 25 through Aug. 3 found evidence of an active and widespread rodent infestation in the Chan's Food Service warehouse on North Hoover Road, authorities said. Inspectors observed rodent nesting sites, excrement on and around food products, gnawed containers of food and live and dead vermin near the area where food was stored.

Inspectors also observed food product spills, open boxes of food, rotten food items and trash throughout the facility and noted many potential entryways for pests, including open doors, gaps in doors, broken windows and a hole in the outside wall.

A federal judge issued an order for the marshals to seize the food, determining that it was adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act because it was held under insanitary conditions.

"The FDA remains vigilant in protecting consumers from unacceptable sources of food," Dara Corrigan, the FDA's associate commissioner for regulatory affairs, said in a statement. "We will continue to take actions against companies that do not meet federal standards for food safety, wholesomeness, sanitation and proper labeling."