CDFA SHUTS DOWN ILLEGAL CHEESE OPERATION

Fresno businessman accused of producing unlicensed product

SACRAMENTO, September 24, 2001-A Fresno businessman stands accused of manufacturing and selling unlawfully produced cheese to restaurants and food distributors in the Bay Area.

CDFA worked with the California Department of Health Services, the Fresno County District Attorney’s office, the Fresno County Rural Crime Task Force and Fresno police to investigate and arrest 28-year-old Joseph Pino Borrelli on felony charges.

Borelli’s company, Borelli Fine Foods, allegedly purchased raw milk products to manufacture unpasteurized mozzarella, ricotta and caciotta cheeses under the Caseificio D’ Ambrosio label. Borelli allegedly operated his business without a license to manufacture up-to eight-thousand pounds of illegal cheese per month.

“This is a major food safety issue,” said CDFA Secretary William (Bill) J. Lyons, Jr. “It’s critical that processors become licensed and conduct their business according to uniform cleanliness and safety standards. I also want to remind California dairies that it’s against the law to sell their products to unlicensed processors, and I urge all retailers, distributors and restaurants to make certain that they purchase only from licensed facilities.”

Unlicensed facilities cause a risk of serious illness and even death. To date, no food borne illness has been traced to this cheese manufacturing plant.

CDFA continues to investigate the case.


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