Fumigating Oatmeal

I have oatmeal in cardboard containers and there are bugs (weevils, I believe) in the outer cases. Is it safe for resale purposes to put this in a 53ft trailer and have it fumigated? Does there need to be some sort of written protocol along with the pest company documents?

Hi Victory. I wouldn't do it:

1. You can't be 100% sure the bugs are completely removed

2. In addition to pest contamination, you'll add chemical contamination

3. Is it worth of efforts in terms of company reputation?

4. Is it worth of all possible troubles in case of complaints, recalls, etc?

5. It's a potential public health threat

This would be illegal

 

A) considered adulterated

 

B) pest contamination (as your just talking about killing/not removing)

 

 

You may be able to do this IF the oatmeal is going for feed

Scampi - can you point me to a specific CFR or something that I could pass along?

7. When is a food considered adulterated under Section 402 of the FD&C Act?

Section 402 of the FD&C Act includes many reasons a food may be adulterated including:

• If the food bears or contains any poisonous or deleterious substance which may render it injurious to health; consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance, or is otherwise unfit for food; or has been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may be rendered injurious to health;

 

• If the food is a dietary supplement or contains a dietary ingredient that presents a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury under the conditions of use recommended or suggested in labeling; is a new dietary ingredient for which there is inadequate information to provide reasonable assurance that such ingredient does not present a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury; or is a dietary supplement declared by the Secretary to pose an imminent hazard to public health or safety.

Scampi - Thank you.