A troubled Foster Farms chicken processing plant in California didn't re-open last weekend after it was closed because of a cockroach infestation and firm officials say they need more time to address problems.
Foster Farms officials had said they would reopen the Livingston, Calif., plant, which was shuttered last week after U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors found live cockroaches for the fifth time in five months. Government inspectors said they had lifted a suspension, but firm officials said in a statement that the plant would remain closed for "several days," though there's no firm time for reopening.
"The company is exercising vigilance and choosing to dedicate additional time to ensuring its preventative plan is fully realized with the most effective technology and treatments available," the statement said.
USDA Food Safety and Inspection officials said Monday that the plant never resumed operations and that
inspectors will continue to monitor compliance with a plan to step up sanitation.
The Foster Farms plant was one of three under increased scrutiny after two salmonella food
poisoning outbreaks last year tied to Foster Farms chicken, including an ongoing outbreak that has
sickened at least 416 people in 23 states and Puerto Rico.
Despite the illnesses and a federal shutdown threat, the plant remained open and issued no recalls
for potentially tainted chicken.