An Atlanta frozen food manufacturing plant has taken quick action and accepted responsibility for safety violations after OSHA inspectors found evidence previous cited hazards had reoccurred.

The plant—a subsidiary of the Schwan Food Company that sells its popular frozen food products through grocery stores, the food service industry and home delivery—signed a pre-citation settlement agreement with OSHA earlier this month where it will pay penalties of $100,000 and commit to extensive health and safety improvements.

“We are very encouraged that Schwan recognized the safety failures that have reoccurred and is taking full responsibility,” says Bill Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta East Area Office. “The company settled the citations immediately and signed the enhanced compliance agreement as part of its commitment to protect its workers and operate safely. When employers are committed to safety, everyone wins.”

OSHA cited Schwan, which manufactures frozen foods sold under several brand names, including Red Baron, Tony's and Freschetta pizza and Mrs. Smith's desserts, at its Atlanta facility, for four repeated, three serious and three other-than-serious safety and health violations.

Based in Marshall, MN, the Schwan Food Company has approximately 14,000 employees nationwide. The company's Atlanta subsidiary produces dough, cookies and piecrusts for popular products with approximately 490 workers.