FLOYD COUNTY, Ga.,None — Channel 2 Action News has learned of repeated violations inside the Kellogg's snack plant in Floyd County.
State inspectors wrote a strongly worded letter this week, demanding a face-to-face meeting with company officials.
"There was an urgency there to get us in and look at these problems," said former consultant Bruce Stephens.
Stephens said Kellogg's assistant manager brought him in to consult on moisture problems at the Rome plant. Stephens said he was dismissed and not paid for his work because he and his team voiced food safety concerns. He is preparing a lawsuit.
"After going up on the roof and bringing our team of people in, all things lead to that roof," he said.
Channel 2 Action News consumer investigator Jim Strickland took an aerial tour and noticed several repair crews on the section of roof in question. A representative from Kellogg's corporate headquarters said the activity that Strickland saw was air conditioning work, not leak fixes.
Still, the state said there's a continuing issue with water building up near a production line where Rice Krispie Treats are made. Last year, they found water puddles in June and September, and again last month. Kellogg's said the water is from a tap, used in the treat-making process. Stephens said there's more to the story.
PDF: Ga. Dept. Of Agriculture Report On Kellogg's Plant
"Anytime you're walking through and dealing with food, your antennas are always up."
Stephens said he saw water drip from the ceiling onto the floor very close to a production line, and that they destroyed product as a precaution.
A state inspector was back at the plant Thursday as part of a continued monitoring.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture is demanding a meeting with Kellogg's officials next month, warning in a letter: "The firm's history will be discussed with results initiating possible monetary penalties and/or license revocation."
Limited sampling found no contamination of products.
Kellogg's issued a statement saying workers "thoroughly clean and sanitize, their standards are high, and they will meet with the state as requested."
The company did not comment on whether they have had roof leaks or whether they have ever destroyed product.
WSBTV
