Linda Bean's lobster plant cited for health violations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cited Linda Bean’s lobster-processing plant in Rockland for serious health violations.
The Bangor Daily News reported that the federal agency had found violations during four inspections last December at 17 Merrill Drive LLC, ultimately resulting in the FDA sending a warning letter in February. The plant’s manager, Jason Hall, told the newspaper on Monday that the plant is working on a response to prove that its processing methods are safe.
The FDA said the plant has been preparing, packing or holding lobster and crabmeat “under unsanitary conditions whereby they may have been rendered injurious to health,” according to an inspection report obtained by the BDN.
More specifically, the FDA found the plant could not scientifically prove that lobsters and crabs were being cooked thoroughly enough to eliminate or reduce pathogenic bacteria below the acceptable threshold. It also said cooler temperatures were not being properly monitored.
Hall, the plant’s manager, said the University of Maine is expected to send a food safety expert to the plant to verify that its processing methods are safe. The plant remains open.
Bean, a granddaughter of L.L.Bean’s founder, launched her lobster business in 2008 after realizing she could combine the heft of the Maine lobster brand with her family name.
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