Authorities seize thousands of spices and additives from ‘unsanitary’ Florida warehouse

MIAMI – The United States Food and Drug Administration, on behalf of the US Marshals Service, on Friday seized spices and food additives that were being held in “unsanitary” conditions at Lyden Spice Corporation in Miami, Florida.

Investigators said in a press release that the products “have been exposed to a widespread infestation of rodents as well as other pests, such as live and dead insects.”

The products seized included more than 25,000 boxes and bags of spices and food additives such as monosodium glutamate, crushed red pepper and sesame seeds which were to be released for sale.

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“The FDA plays a vital role in protecting the US food supply and helping to ensure that our foods are not contaminated at any point in their journey along the supply chain,” said the Acting Commissioner of the FDA, Janet Woodcock. “We take our responsibility seriously and will continue to take action against those who threaten the safety and quality of the products we regulate, which is a necessary step to protect the public health and safety of Americans.

Court documents show the FDA learned of the infected conditions after an inspection by Lyden Spice Corporation between June 8 and June 28, 2021, where officials found extensive rodent droppings on and around pallets containing food containers. They also found evidence of gnawing and rodent urine on food containers and rodent nesting material between the food pallets.

FOX TV stations have reached out to Lyden Spice Corporation for comment.

This story was reported from Los Angeles.