The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has suspended the license of food processor G. Wolf for violating food processing standards and on-going sanitation problems at its facility.
The company's food processing operations were ceased as of 13 September.
G. Wolf Enterprises, also known as Wolf Pack Cannery, is engaged in packing products in cans and jars for small farmers and businesses in the region.
WSDA stated that its food safety inspectors have earlier noted violations of food processing standards, including wooden storage trays that could not be properly sanitized, a lack of clear separation between processing rooms and a machine shop, spoilage in a walk-in cooler, jar lids stored in open containers and deviations from canning processes that could lead to illness.
On 12 September, the WSDA personnel commenced routine inspection of the facility; however, it failed to complete the investigation due to interference by the company's management.
WSDA would re-instate the company's license if it allows the agency to perform inspection and comply with all food processing requirements.
