Dr. Terry Mason, city health commissioner, said "Every licensed food establishment operator in this city, from the smallest mom-and-pop to the largest food processing facility, needs to understand that when we issue an order to correct a health violation, we mean business. This candy facility will remain closed until these health violations have been corrected."
The initial inspection of the Oak Park Avenue plant came after a non-emergency 311 call was placed reporting cockroaches. Inspectors at the plant found a fruit fly infestation, mouse droppings in the food-processing area, gaps that allowed pests access to the production area, and food items stored on the floor, which is also a violation.
"Most times, everybody does what they are supposed to and it is done fairly quickly." Frances Guichard, director of the city health department's food protection program said. "(M&M Mars) didn't and that's why we ordered them closed."
The company's closure comes with a possible fine of $1,500, to be determined during a hearing set for July 27.
On Thursday, spokesperson Alice Nathanson of New Jersey-based Masterfoods USA, a division of Mars Inc., said, "Masterfoods ... is working with the city to immediately resolve questions following a routine inspection." Masterson added that the plant expected to "resume normal production within 24 hours."
###