As part of its enforcement activities, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not posted for public view until weeks or months after they are sent. Business owners have 15 days to respond to FDA warning letters. Warning letters often are not issued until a company has been given months to years to correct problems. Generally, portions of the letters are redacted from public view.
Middle East/Soli's Baking Company Inc. dba Middle East Baking Co.
Burlingame, CA
In a July 25, 2025, warning letter, the Food and Drug Administration outlined serious violations observed during an inspection of the company's pita and bagel manufacturing facility in Burlingame, CA, from Nov. 20, 2024, to Jan. 10, 2025.
FDA investigators documented widespread insect activity throughout the plant, confirmed by laboratory analysis of filth samples showing insects at larval, pupal, and adult stages. The agency also identified multiple failures in sanitation, facility maintenance, employee hygiene and pest exclusion practices. These conditions led FDA to determine that the firm's pita and bagel products are adulterated, as they were prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have been rendered injurious to health.