Malden Food Market Settles Allegations of Food Safety Law Violations

BOSTON – A retail food market in Malden – warned on four occasions since January 2017 by federal investigators about food safety violations – has entered into a consent decree with the government pursuant to which it shall not violate food safety laws, and faces strict penalties if violations are found in the future. 

Kim Long Market, LLC, its owner and manager Chien Hong Pham, and its manager Thomas Pham, have entered into a consent decree that permanently enjoins them from violating the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA). The government filed its complaint after a series of U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspection activities of Kim Long Market showed that the defendants had purchased, offered for sale, and sold meat food products that were not inspected by the FSIS, and were misbranded. In addition, the defendants failed to maintain appropriate business records concerning the purchase and sale of these products.    

The proposed consent decree was filed with the court and is awaiting judicial approval.  Under the consent decree, USDA investigators will continue to have broad access to the premises of Kim Long Market to inspect and examine the facility, its inventory and records.  The defendants will also face significant financial penalties for any further violations of the FMIA.

“Consumers should be able to trust that their food is produced and sold under safe and sanitary conditions,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “This consent decree establishes procedures to prevent this business, and its owners, from further jeopardizing the health of customers.” 

“FSIS investigators are on the job protecting public health every day,” said Carmen Rottenberg, FSIS Administrator. “Our work is critical to protect American families and the food supply, and we will not tolerate blatant disregard for food safety laws.”

U.S. Attorney Lelling and FSIS Administrator Rottenberg made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anita Johnson of Lelling’s Civil Division handled the case.