Criminal Defense Lawyers

Grocery store usda violation Helena

Dealing with a USDA Grocery Store Violation

You’re here for one reason, you’ve been hit with a USDA violation at your grocery store. It’s a stressful situation, but, take a deep breath, we’re here to help.At Spodek Law Group, we understand the challenges of dealing with regulatory issues. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience handling tough cases nationwide. We don’t take a cookie-cutter approach, every situation is unique, and we leave no stone unturned to get you the best possible outcome.

Understanding the Violation

First, let’s look at what you’re facing. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) enforces regulations for meat, poultry, and egg products. Common violations include:

• Selling products past the “sell-by” date
• Improper labeling or relabeling
• Unsanitary conditions or practices
• Failure to follow food safety protocols

Depending on the severity, FSIS can issue notices of violation, fines, or even suspend operations. It’s crucial to take these violations seriously, as they can impact your business and reputation.

Responding to the Violation

So, what do you do, if you get hit with one of these things? Here are the steps we recommend:

1. Gather Information: Review the violation notice carefully, understand exactly what you’re being cited for, and collect all relevant documentation.
2. Take Corrective Action: If the violation involves a specific product or practice, take immediate steps to correct it. Remove any affected products from sale, retrain staff, or implement new procedures.
3. Consult Legal Counsel: Violations can carry hefty fines and legal consequences, so it’s wise to consult an experienced food and beverage attorney. At Spodek Law Group, we can review your case, advise you on your rights and options, and represent you in any legal proceedings.
4. Respond to FSIS: Depending on the violation, you may need to submit a written response detailing the corrective actions you’ve taken. Your attorney can help craft an effective response that demonstrates your commitment to compliance.
5. Appeal if Necessary: If you believe the violation was issued in error or the proposed penalty is excessive, you have the right to appeal. Your attorney can guide you through the appeals process and present a strong defense on your behalf.

Working with Spodek Law Group

It’s simple, every single client deserves honesty and white-glove service. At Spodek Law Group, we’re selective about the clients we work with, ensuring we can truly help each one. When you reach out, the process begins with a risk-free consultation, where you can ask us anything, regardless of how long it takes.We encourage open dialogue and full transparency, so we can give you the best possible legal advice. Our firm has excellent work ethics, and we constantly hold meetings to discuss and address all cases. In an emergency, we have a full team of lawyers available 24/7 to help you.The Spodek Law Group handles cases nationwide, with offices in NYC and Los Angeles. Regardless of how tough your situation is, we’re here to help. Many clients are often embarrassed by their situation and don’t speak openly about it. We understand, and we’ll be there when no one else is, doing everything in our power to get you out of this unscathed.