IA #36-02 - 11/21/00 , "DETENTION WITHOUT PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF
HONEY CONTAINING METAL WIRE"



TYPE OF ALERT: Detention without Physical Examination

(Note:    This import alert represents the Agency's current
guidance to FDA field personnel regarding the manufacturer(s)
and/or product(s) at issue.  It does not create or confer any
rights for or on any person, and does not operate to bind FDA or
the public).

PRODUCT:       Honey

PRODUCT CODE:  36C- - - -

PROBLEM:       Foreign Object-Metal Wire

PAF:           FIL

PAC FOR
COLLECTION:    03819A

COUNTRY:       Mexico (MX)

MFG/SHIPPER
FEI #:         Seradco, S.A. de C.V.
               Medanos No. 47 Col. Aguilas C.P.
               Mexico, D.F. Mexico
               FEI # 3003091561

CHARGE:        "The article is subject to refusal of admission
               pursuant to Section 801(a)(3) of the FD&C; Act in
               that it appears to consist in whole or                 in
               part of a filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance,
               or is otherwise unfit for food in that it appears
               to contain foreign objects.[Adulteration. Section
               402(a)(3)]."


OASIS CHARGE
CODE:          MFR INSAN/FILTHY

RECOMMENDING
OFFICE:        SWID, HFR-SW1500

REASON FOR
ALERT:         On 9-20-00, the Southwest Import District detained
               an entry of honey found to contain metal wire (35-
               99mm in length) in each of 6 subs of honey. The
               metal fragments found exceed the guidance                   referenced in CPG 555.425 (e).

GUIDANCE:      Districts may detain without physical examination
               honey manufactured by Seradco, S.A. de C.V.,
               Medanos No. 47, Col. Aguilas, Mexico, D.F. Mexico.

               Methodology Reference- AOAC 945.79(a), Filth in
               Syrup, Molasses, and Honey. 17 ed., 16.12.03.

               For any issues and/or questions regarding science,
               science policy, sample collection, analysis,
               preparation, analytical methodology or            confirmation tests, districts should contact 
the
               Division of Field Science at 301-443-3320 or 301-
               443-3007.

PRIORITAZATION
GUIDANCE:      I

FOI:           No purging is necessary

KEYWORDS:      honey, metal wire, foreign objects

PREPARED BY:   Stella Notzon, Division of Import Operations and
               Policy, HFC-170

DATE LOADED
INTO FIARS:    November 21, 2000