CMC Inc.
California Microbiological Consulting, Inc.
819 Apple Hill Drive, Brentwood, CA 94513-2606
December 20th, 1999
Mr. Jeremy Dorosin
[address withheld]
Dear Mr. Dorosin:
We have completed the visual and microscopic evaluation of the package of Betty Crocker brand Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes. The package code is identified as “best if used by 23 AUG 00, Z072521
The package you presented to us had been previously opened and contained a clear cello pack of dehydrated potatoes and a separate folded and taped seasoning blend packet.
It is our understanding that the product was purchased at a local Safeway store, allegedly in this condition.
Upon examination of the dehydrated potato package, we observed a blue-grey piece of foreign material approximately 2 cm in length. The seal areas at both ends of the package have not been compromised. The side seal of the package was also complete and uncompromised.
We removed the foreign material from the package for the microscopic analysis by slicing into a non-seal area of the package. Microscopic analysis of the foreign material indicates the object is a synthetic fiber material. It is our opinion that the foreign material is from a scrub pad or air filter pad. compared to our control sample f air filter pad material and a control sample of scrub pad obtained from a local retail source, the foreign material from the package appears very similar in structure and texture.
The tape holding the spice packet was cut and the packet unfolded for examination. There was no manufacturing code evident on the package or embossed into the seal area. The package had been previously opened and was missing a 3” by 1 3/4” portion of the packaging. The packaging and spice blend weighed 22 grams. Since we don not know what the manufacturing eight of the spice package is, we cannot determine if any spice is missing or if any substances have been added.
Without further destructive testing we cannot determine the exact nature of the foreign material and neither can we determine if the spice blend contains any substances introduced into the package after manufacturing.
The enclosed photographs were take of the sample you submitted to us. The photographs represent the following:
Package and contents as presented to us
Foreign material within the clear package of dehydrated potatoes.
The foreign material removed from the dehydrated potato package.
Taped and folded spice blend packet.
Unfolded spice blend packet showing opened area.
Based on our analysis and observations, we cannot determine where or when the box containing the ingredients had been opened. We can determine that the box was properly sealed at one time based on the fiber tear adhering to the manufacturer’s adhesive.
Base on our analysis and observations, we can conclude that the foreign material, found in the dehydrated potatoes, was inadvertently introduced into the package at the time of manufacturing. It is our opinion, based on microscopic evaluation and comparison, that the material is commonly used in scrub pads and air handling systems.
Based on our analysis and observations, we determined that the spice blend package had been previously opened, folded and taped. We cannot determine where or when this occurred. We cannot determine without further destructive analysis if the contents of this opened package have been compromised.
We will continue to maintain the sample in our laboratory for 30 days. Thereafter, it will be destroyed, unless we hear from you with further direction. If necessary, we will provide the sample to General Mills Corporation for their examination.
If there are any questions regarding our findings with this product, please contact me.
Sincerely yours,
[signed]
Clifford M. Coles,
President
California Microbiological Consulting, Inc
[Scans of original letters and Photographs posted below]
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