Chief Executive Officer Murray Bresky confirmed the temporary closure at the plant, but points out that according to a letter from the U.S.D.A., the plant passed
Salmonellatests of its products as recently as July 23 and hasn’t failed a test in the past five years.
“I guarantee every Murray’s Chicken ever produced at our plant is safe and wholesome,” he said in a letter sent to Murray’s customers and distributors. “How can we have a passing grade on Friday and Monday morning have food-safety issues?” he retorted in the letter, which also pointed out that the U.S.D.A. stopped short of ordering the company to recall products.
Since the closing notice, Mr. Bresky said he has been working with the U.S.D.A. to resolve the issue and has been in constant contact with state and federal officials to get the company reopened. He said Murray’s track record with regard to food safety is unblemished.
“Since its founding in 1993, Murray’s Chicken has consistently been in compliance with U.S.D.A.SalmonellaandE. Coli testing standards, has never had a recall, has never had an illness associated with our products and has passed third-party HACCP and Certified Humane Audits and other food-safety inspections,” said Mr. Bresky.
Murray’s has always stressed food safety, Mr. Bresky said. “Since its founding in 1993, Murray’s Chicken has consistently been in compliance with U.S.D.A.Salmonella andE. Colitesting standards, has never had a recall, has never had an illness associated with our products and has passed third-party HACCP and Certified Humane Audits and other food-safety inspections,” Mr. Bresky added.
