U.S. Files Lawsuit Against Philadelphia Food Warehouse After Urine, Feces Found Inside
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The United States has filed a lawsuit in district court to stop a Philadelphia warehouse from selling food that has been held in filthy conditions, allegedly in violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice, the suit was filed against New Rich City Trading Corporation, as well as president and owner, Ms. Xiaoping Sun, and manager, Mr. Si Yan Chuen.
FDA officials say the unsanitary conditions and filth inside the warehouse included animals such as rodents, birds, cats and dogs along with their feces and urine on and around food that was being stored there.
"You're talking about bird waste, feline waste, dog waste, rodent waste - on and around the food," said Assistant U.S Attorney Stacey Smith.
Timothy Lee, the attorney representing New Rich City, when asked said he did not see the complaint and would not comment on the specific allegations in the lawsuit. But he said the company passed a state inspection April 30 and they have been working with officials to comply with regulations.
The U.S. is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent the warehouse and its managers from receiving, holding or distributing food until the operations are brought up to code.
"The ultimate goal is to get the food back to being handled in a safe manner, stored in a safe and clean manner," said Smith.
