ImportRefusal LogoImportRefusal

Violation Code: 238

FDA Violation

Charge Code: UNSAFE ADD

6,893
Total Refusals
2125
Affected Firms
12/31/2025
Latest Case
10/3/2001
First Case

Violation Details

Violation Code (ASC ID)
238
Charge Code
UNSAFE ADD
Description
The article is subject to refusal of admission pursuant to Section 801(a)(3) in that it appears to bear or contain an unsafe food additive within the meaning of section 409.
Legal Section
402(a)(2)(C)(i), 801(a)(3); ADULTERATION

Most Affected Firms

#Firm NameLocationCases
1Nutri-Asia, Incorporated dba UFC PhilippinesLaguna, PHILIPPINE416
2Nutri-AsiaBulacan, PHILIPPINE164
3Mars PetcareVictorville, UNITED STA123
4Nestle India LimitedBicholim, INDIA105
5Uriarte Talavera (aka Fabrica de Loza Blanca Azulejo...)Puebla, MEXICO72
6Yelin Hoitat Quick Frozen Seafood Co., Ltd.Yangjiang, CHINA70
7DIVINE ATMOS PRIVATE LIMITEDCoimbatore, INDIA69
8chilemex s.a. de c.v.Villahermosa, MEXICO61
9Mythos Native ArtQuito, ECUADOR58
10Alltech do BrasilSao Pedro Do Ivai, BRAZIL55
11Laboratorios PiSA, S.A. de C.V (Planta Tlajomulco)Tlajomulco De Zuniga, MEXICO51
12Cadbury Trebor BassettBirmingham, UNITED KIN47
13Shantou Olive Pharmaceutical Co.,LtdShantou, CHINA46
14SGR (777) FOODS PRIVATE LIMITEDGummidipoondi, INDIA43
15Nutri-Asia, IncTagiug City, PHILIPPINE43
16DIVINE ATMOS PRIVATE LIMITEDSundapalayam, INDIA42
17Gregoria Ramirez HernandezGuadalajara, MEXICO38
18Aleshin E.OAbakan, RUSSIA34
19Marie Daage DiffusionParis, FRANCE31
20VAHDAM TEAS PVT LTNoida, INDIA30

Recent Import Refusals

DateProductFirm
12/31/2025
APPLE, CORE FRUIT JUICES OR CONCENTRATES
20SGY01
12/16/2025
SHRIMP & PRAWNS
16JGD05
12/14/2025
BETEL NUT, IN SHELL
23AYY14
12/14/2025
BETEL NUT (HERBAL AND BOTANICALS, NOT TEAS II)
54KBY11
12/14/2025
BETEL NUT, IN SHELL
23AGT14
12/11/2025
VITAMIN, MINERAL, PROTEINS AND UNCONVENTIONAL DIETARY SPECIALITIES FOR HUMANS AND ANIMALS, N.E.C.
54YCA99
12/10/2025
SHRIMP & PRAWNS
16JYH05
12/8/2025
MUSTARD OIL SEED STOCK
26BYY11
12/1/2025
FOODS WITH SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRIENTS ADDED, WITH OR WITHOUT ARTIFICAL SWEETNERS
41BGT99
12/1/2025
FOODS WITH SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRIENTS ADDED, WITH OR WITHOUT ARTIFICAL SWEETNERS
41BGT99
12/1/2025
FOODS WITH SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRIENTS ADDED, WITH OR WITHOUT ARTIFICAL SWEETNERS
41BGT99
12/1/2025
FOODS WITH SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRIENTS ADDED, WITH OR WITHOUT ARTIFICAL SWEETNERS
41BGT99
12/1/2025
FOODS WITH SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRIENTS ADDED, WITH OR WITHOUT ARTIFICAL SWEETNERS
41BGT99
12/1/2025
ANIMAL BY-PRODUCTS AND EXTRACTS, N.E.C.
54GCL99
Pharmtech KoreaSOUTH KORE
12/1/2025
HONEY
36CYT04

Related Violations

Other violations under the same legal section: 402(a)(2)(C)(i), 801(a)(3); ADULTERATION

CodeCharge CodeCases
3421MELAMINE2880
2900CHLORAMP402
3440MELAMINE1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FDA violation code 238?

238 is an FDA violation code that indicates: "The article is subject to refusal of admission pursuant to Section 801(a)(3) in that it appears to bear or contain an unsafe food additive within the meaning of section 409.". This violation is based on 402(a)(2)(C)(i), 801(a)(3); ADULTERATION of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

How many import refusals have been issued for violation 238?

According to FDA Import Refusal data, there have been 6893 import refusals issued for violation code 238, affecting 2125 unique firms.

When was the most recent refusal for violation 238?

The most recent import refusal for violation 238 was on December 31, 2025.

What products are commonly refused for violation 238?

Products commonly refused under violation 238 include: APPLE, CORE FRUIT JUICES OR CONCENTRATES, SHRIMP & PRAWNS, BETEL NUT, IN SHELL, BETEL NUT (HERBAL AND BOTANICALS, NOT TEAS II). These products were refused entry because they did not meet FDA requirements.

What is the legal basis for FDA violation code 238?

Violation code 238 is based on 402(a)(2)(C)(i), 801(a)(3); ADULTERATION of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). This section of the law establishes requirements that imported products must meet to be allowed entry into the United States.

Data sourced from the FDA Data Dashboard, a public database maintained by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.