Former EP Company's Crabmeat Seized by Feds over Listeria Concerns

The federal government seized 5,000 cases of frozen processed crab products manufactured by formerly-East Providence-based Rome Packing Company over concerns about bacteria contamination.

The government, in a complaint unsealed Tuesday, alleged that company processed the crabmeat in a facility contaminated with Listeria and failed to control temperatures to prevent the growth of pathogens.

The FDA inspected Rome’s facility six times, collected swabs from three areas that ended up testing positive for listeria and ”the inspection also allegedly revealed poor sanitary practices and conditions in Rome’s facility that may cause cross-contamination between finished and raw food products,” according to a U.S. Department of Justice release.

The meat was seized from cold storage warehouses in Lakeville, Mass.

Rome is currently under receivership.

“In partnership with the FDA, we are working to ensure food safety,” said United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz. “Lax sanitary practices in the preparation and storage of food products endanger public health. Where necessary we will intervene to prevent contaminated food from reaching consumers.”

Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause serious and life-threatening illness if contaminated foods are eaten.

Rome Packing Products recalled some of its Ocean’s Catch branded products last year. In May, it recalled minced crab meat and in October, it recalled crab legs.