Hi all, I need some insight as I never had worked in a USDA regulated facility and do not have that much knowledge.
So we "resell" Pork Rinds (Pork skins called also). We buy ones that are fried, and ones that are dried.
We just resell them, we dont process them or anything in our facility.
I requested COAs from them for pathogen testing and this was their response:
"Yes, we can accommodate the request and provide a COA for all lots and products we supply to you,,
For their micro testing list will be $300.00 flat charge per product and per lot.
Coliform/E.Coli
Coagulase Positive S. aureus
Salmonella
Listeria monocytogenes
Since we are testing for pathogens, per USDA regulation we must held the product in our premises until lab results are proven negative, the control of product until lab reports are available will take between 5 to 7 days and we will charge storage per pallet per day, pricing will be provided at a later date.
Micro testing will have to be requested on each order, unless otherwise indicated by the customer".
Since they are USDA regulated, I would imagine they ALREADY do those tests themselves anyway. and they have those COAs, right? (I could be wrong). Then why are they charging us for the tests, the storage (not to mention the insane amount)? Shouldn't they already be doing them? I don't get it.
One option I had is that we receive the products, and I pull samples and send them to our 3rd party lab (our cost of those tests are cheaper). And I hold them until results are negative.
Can anyone help me? Is it correct what they are saying? USDA folks, help :)
Edited by The Food Scientist, 18 February 2020 - 09:12 PM.