Salyer American parent SK Foods under investigation
Salyer American parent SK Foods under investigation
SALINAS, CA -- Local news sources reported that FBI and IRS agents executed a search warrant under a sealed affidavit on the offices of SK Foods on Wednesday morning, April 16, in Monterey, CA.
Salinas, CA-based KSBW-TV reported that SK offices in the California towns of Williams and Lemoore were searched Wednesday morning in addition to the firm's Monterey headquarters, and that FBI agents confirmed a private residence also was searched.
SK Foods began leasing the Monterey building in Ryan Ranch in February. The company's web site lists other facilities in the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys in addition to owning international firms in New Zealand and Australia.
SK Foods President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Salyer sent a letter dated Wednesday, April 16, to the company's more than 3,000 employees. In the letter, Mr. Salyer assured the employees that SK Foods would be back in business Thursday morning, April 17. He referred to the search and investigation as "unexpected."
An excerpt from his letter reads: "We understand that this investigation is still in its preliminary stages, and we have not yet been provided with specific allegations. However, from what we have been told, we categorically deny and disagree with the allegations. We will vigorously defend our products and business practices in every way possible while cooperating fully with the investigation."
Mr. Salyer further stated that the actions "on the part of certain authorities in no way relate to food quality or food safety," and that the company is "reassuring our customers and friends of the absolute safety of our products."
SK Foods is a leading processor of vegetable products for re-manufacturers, retail and foodservice marketers. In January, The Produce News reported that Mr. Salyer became the sole owner of Salinas, CA-based Salyer American Fresh Foods Inc., a company established in 1986 by Mr. Salyer and his family. Salyer American Fresh Foods became a division of SK Foods, which was established in 1990.
The companies have had long-time family and business ties with one another. Salyer American Fresh Foods was established when the family- owned farming organization, Salyer American, chose to diversify from its longtime economic anchors of grain and cotton.
Salyer American Fresh Foods continued independently with Mr. Salyer as a shareholder. The Produce News reported in January that Mr. Salyer had acquired the balance of the company shares that were previously held by his father, Fred Salyer, and sister, Linda Salyer Lee, for an undisclosed amount.
Salinas, CA-based KSBW-TV reported that SK offices in the California towns of Williams and Lemoore were searched Wednesday morning in addition to the firm's Monterey headquarters, and that FBI agents confirmed a private residence also was searched.
SK Foods began leasing the Monterey building in Ryan Ranch in February. The company's web site lists other facilities in the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys in addition to owning international firms in New Zealand and Australia.
SK Foods President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Salyer sent a letter dated Wednesday, April 16, to the company's more than 3,000 employees. In the letter, Mr. Salyer assured the employees that SK Foods would be back in business Thursday morning, April 17. He referred to the search and investigation as "unexpected."
An excerpt from his letter reads: "We understand that this investigation is still in its preliminary stages, and we have not yet been provided with specific allegations. However, from what we have been told, we categorically deny and disagree with the allegations. We will vigorously defend our products and business practices in every way possible while cooperating fully with the investigation."
Mr. Salyer further stated that the actions "on the part of certain authorities in no way relate to food quality or food safety," and that the company is "reassuring our customers and friends of the absolute safety of our products."
SK Foods is a leading processor of vegetable products for re-manufacturers, retail and foodservice marketers. In January, The Produce News reported that Mr. Salyer became the sole owner of Salinas, CA-based Salyer American Fresh Foods Inc., a company established in 1986 by Mr. Salyer and his family. Salyer American Fresh Foods became a division of SK Foods, which was established in 1990.
The companies have had long-time family and business ties with one another. Salyer American Fresh Foods was established when the family- owned farming organization, Salyer American, chose to diversify from its longtime economic anchors of grain and cotton.
Salyer American Fresh Foods continued independently with Mr. Salyer as a shareholder. The Produce News reported in January that Mr. Salyer had acquired the balance of the company shares that were previously held by his father, Fred Salyer, and sister, Linda Salyer Lee, for an undisclosed amount.
