An executive of the Castleberry’s food plant in Augusta that shut down recently due to equipment problems says it may re-open very soon.
Two weeks ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration revoked the plant’s operating permit after they found equipment problems that could have contributed to improperly cooked food.
Dave Melbourne, Castleberry’s senior vice president, says in a written statement that discussions with the FDA and U.S. Department of Agriculture prompted him to estimate the plant would re-open this week.
Melbourne did not provide specifics on the discussions.
The FDA also had no comment.
Castleberry’s also had shut down last summer after botulism, a toxin, was found in its canned chili sauce.
A recall of its canned foods cost the company about $35 million.
Officials say the latest shutdown was only over equipment and there were no health or safety problems.
