Tell the FDA: Shut Austin "Jack" DeCoster's Egg Farms Down

The Issue

Just a few short months ago, salmonella-contaminated eggs sickened more than 1,600 consumers. Wright County Egg and Quality Egg, operations owned by Austin "Jack" DeCoster, still haven't properly cleaned up their hen houses.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspectors found manure pits with standing water, improperly sealed hen houses (which can let in rodents and wild birds), and workers who weren't wearing proper gear, among other violations. Yet instead of shutting DeCoster's egg farms down, the FDA just issued a warning letter.

DeCoster has been indicted in a number of food contamination outbreaks dating back to the 1980s. His operations have also been cited with environmental, labor, immigration, and animal welfare violations.

DeCoster is a habitual offender and overall bad egg, and he shouldn't be producing America's food. Tell the FDA to stop issuing warning letters, and shut DeCoster's egg operations down.

This petition had 293 supporters

The Issue

Just a few short months ago, salmonella-contaminated eggs sickened more than 1,600 consumers. Wright County Egg and Quality Egg, operations owned by Austin "Jack" DeCoster, still haven't properly cleaned up their hen houses.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspectors found manure pits with standing water, improperly sealed hen houses (which can let in rodents and wild birds), and workers who weren't wearing proper gear, among other violations. Yet instead of shutting DeCoster's egg farms down, the FDA just issued a warning letter.

DeCoster has been indicted in a number of food contamination outbreaks dating back to the 1980s. His operations have also been cited with environmental, labor, immigration, and animal welfare violations.

DeCoster is a habitual offender and overall bad egg, and he shouldn't be producing America's food. Tell the FDA to stop issuing warning letters, and shut DeCoster's egg operations down.

The Decision Makers

Joshua Sharfstein
Joshua Sharfstein
Deputy Commissioner/FDA
Mike Herndon
Mike Herndon
Press Officer/FDA
John W. Thorsky
John W. Thorsky
Kansas City District Director/FDA
Margaret Hamburg
Margaret Hamburg
Commissioner/FDA
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Petition created on October 25, 2010