The former president and owner of Valley Processing Inc. (VPI), a fruit juice manufacturer, has admitted to producing and selling contaminated juice products in violation of federal food safety regulations. Mary Ann Bliesner, the 83-year-old owner, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges under the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act (FDCA). This case highlights significant concerns about food safety and the integrity of supply chains that serve vulnerable populations such as school children.

Guilty Plea for Misleading Practices and Unsafe Conditions

Mary Ann Bliesner has acknowledged her role in misleading customers and regulatory authorities regarding the quality and safety of VPI's juice products. The company admitted to blending old grape juice concentrate, stored improperly for years, with newer batches and selling it as fresh product. This practice compromised the safety and integrity of the products, including those supplied to the National School Lunch Program. Bliesner also failed to register a critical facility with the FDA, further undermining transparency and oversight.

Bliesner’s actions involved not only mislabeling but also concealing unsafe storage conditions at the Grape Road Facility. During an FDA inspection in May 2018, employees obstructed access to this facility where large concrete vats containing unsold grape juice concentrate were kept. These vats were exposed to elements, leading to contamination by bird and rodent feces, insects, mold, yeast, and decaying animal remains. Such unsanitary conditions posed serious health risks to consumers. Bliesner and VPI ultimately agreed to pay a criminal forfeiture of $742,139 for their misconduct.

Impact on Public Health and Regulatory Response

The case underscores the importance of stringent food safety measures and the consequences of failing to adhere to them. Bliesner’s actions endangered public health, particularly affecting low-income school children who relied on safe nutrition through the National School Lunch Program. The FDA and the Department of Justice took swift action to ensure that such practices do not compromise consumer safety. A civil complaint was filed in November 2020, resulting in a consent injunction that barred Bliesner and VPI from engaging in any food-related activities without FDA approval.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust regulatory oversight and corporate responsibility in the food industry. The FDA will continue to hold accountable companies and individuals who prioritize profit over public health. Bliesner and VPI face sentencing in March 2025, where a federal district court judge will determine appropriate penalties based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors. The closure of VPI and the legal proceedings against its leadership highlight the severity of these violations and the commitment of regulatory bodies to safeguard public health.