The former president and primary owner of Valley Processing Inc. (VPI), a fruit juice manufacturer in Sunnyside, Washington, has pleaded guilty to charges related to food safety violations. Mary Ann Bliesner, 83, admitted guilt to two misdemeanor counts under the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act (FDCA). The charges include failing to register a food facility with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and failing to prevent the introduction of adulterated grape juice concentrate into interstate commerce.
Valley Processing Inc., now closed, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges involving the sale of tainted fruit juice products. Both Bliesner and VPI have agreed to pay $742,139 as criminal forfeiture for their actions.
Between October 2012 and June 2019, VPI distributed potentially unsafe apple and grape juice both domestically and internationally. The company misrepresented the age and quality of its products by blending old grape juice concentrate with newer batches. Some contaminated products were sold for use in the National School Lunch Program.
Bliesner and VPI admitted they failed to register their "Grape Road Facility" with the FDA. This facility stored unsold grape juice concentrate in large vats that were improperly maintained. During a May 2018 FDA inspection, employees attempted to conceal unsafe conditions at this facility from investigators.
In November 2020, a civil complaint was filed against Bliesner and VPI seeking an injunction against producing or selling juice products without FDA approval. By January 2021, both parties agreed to cease operations permanently following a consent injunction.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton emphasized the importance of food safety: “Protecting the safety of American’s food supply is essential.” U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref highlighted concerns about public health risks posed by VPI's actions: “School children deserve safe and nutritious food.”
Special Agent Robert Iwanicki noted that companies misleading consumers pose significant health risks: “In this case, the company’s actions put at risk the health of consumers.”
A sentencing hearing for Bliesner and VPI is scheduled for March 26, 2025.
The investigation was conducted by the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations with prosecution led by Trial Attorney James Hennelly, Senior Trial Attorney David Gunn from the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, along with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Devin Curda.
For further details on enforcement efforts by the Consumer Protection Branch visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.