Audit readiness is a crucial objective for food and pharmaceutical manufacturers facing FDA inspections, and using inspector-specific data can greatly enhance preparation efforts. Eric S Pittman, a Supervisory Consumer Safety Officer based in Chicago, IL, has conducted 101 inspections since 2008, issuing 58 Form 483s and six warning letters.
Pittman’s inspection history reveals key compliance issues, particularly in areas like recordkeeping and pest control. These recurring issues provide valuable insights into areas where manufacturers often face challenges. By focusing on these aspects, manufacturers can take proactive steps to strengthen their audit preparedness.
This blog explores how Eric Pittman’s FDA inspection record can help manufacturers improve audit readiness. With the support of tools like Atlas Compliance, which incorporate AI-driven data analysis, manufacturers can drive compliance, address common deficiencies, and streamline their preparation for successful FDA inspections.
What do FDA Inspections Entail?
FDA inspections ensure compliance with regulations like Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). Inspectors focus on critical areas, including:
- Recordkeeping and documentation
- Facility sanitation and pest control
- Equipment cleaning and maintenance
- Process controls and work-in-progress
- Compliance with veterinary oversight requirements
- Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)
By aligning with these priorities, manufacturers can enhance audit readiness. Eric Pittman’s inspection record provides a roadmap for addressing these regulatory expectations effectively.
Who Is Eric Pittman?
Eric Pittman is a Supervisory Consumer Safety Officer with the FDA, based in Chicago, IL (60661). He has been active since 2008, conducting inspections in the United States, Germany, and Ireland. His expertise focuses on food safety and pharmaceutical compliance, which makes his inspection findings highly relevant for Atlas Compliance’s audience, including food and pharmaceutical manufacturers, quality assurance teams, and regulatory affairs professionals.
Eric Pittman can be contacted at Er**********@*****hs.gov or by phone at (312-596-4259). His wealth of experience in regulatory inspections provides valuable insights that can help manufacturers stay ahead of compliance challenges.
Eric Pittman’s Inspection History
Pittman’s inspection record is robust, with the following key metrics as of May 2025:
- Total Inspections: 101
- Total 483s Issued: 58
- Total Warning Letters Issued: 6
- Average Inspection Duration: 0.94 days
- Inspection Duration Range: 1–11 days
- Inspections Last Year (2024): 3
- Inspections This Year (2025): 0
Pittman’s short average inspection duration (0.94 days) indicates a targeted approach, focusing on specific compliance issues. His 58 Form 483s and six warning letters reflect a rigorous stance, though his limited activity in 2024 (3 inspections) and none in 2025 may suggest a shift in his role.
Key Compliance Issues in Pittman’s 483s
Pittman’s Form 483s highlight recurring compliance issues, with the top five citations focusing on:
- FDCA 402(a)(4): Inadequate recordkeeping, undermining traceability and compliance verification.
- FDCA 501(a)(5): Extra-label drug use without a veterinary client-patient relationship, posing regulatory risks.
- 21 CFR 110.35(c): Lack of effective pest exclusion measures, increasing contamination risks.
- 21 CFR 110.20(b)(4): Poor maintenance of floors, walls, and ceilings, compromising facility sanitation.
- 21 CFR 110.80(b)(5): Inadequate control of work-in-progress, affecting product safety and quality.
These citations, often linked to keywords like “pest,” “cleaning,” and “sanitation,” emphasize Pittman’s focus on documentation and facility hygiene, critical areas for audit readiness.
Recent Trends in Pittman’s Inspections
Recent trends in Eric Pittman’s inspections show a decrease in activity, with only three inspections conducted in 2024 and none in 2025. Despite this reduced frequency, his historical data remains highly relevant for manufacturers striving to maintain compliance.
Common citations in Pittman’s inspections include issues with recordkeeping (FDCA 402(a)(4)) and pest control (21 CFR 110.35(c)), both of which align with ongoing FDA priorities for food safety and pharmaceutical manufacturing. These focus areas highlight critical compliance risks that manufacturers should address to avoid violations.
Pittman’s inspections in Germany and Ireland emphasize the importance of global compliance, especially for manufacturers exporting to the U.S. His international experience underscores the need for consistent standards across different markets.
Additionally, the relatively short duration of Pittman’s inspections (ranging from 1 to 11 days) suggests that these inspections are highly focused, often targeting high-risk areas like sanitation and documentation. Manufacturers can use these insights to ensure they are addressing the most critical compliance issues in their operations.
Benefits of Pittman’s Record for Audit Readiness
Eric Pittman’s inspection record offers several key advantages for manufacturers looking to improve their audit readiness:
- Improved Documentation: Addressing FDCA 402(a)(4) citations related to recordkeeping ensures that manufacturers maintain robust, accurate, and traceable records. This is essential for audit preparedness and helps avoid potential violations related to inadequate documentation.
- Enhanced Sanitation Protocols: Citations on pest exclusion and facility maintenance (21 CFR 110.35(c) and 110.20(b)(4)) stress the importance of maintaining rigorous sanitation measures. Strengthening these protocols reduces the risk of contamination and ensures a cleaner, safer facility during inspections.
- Regulatory Compliance: FDCA 501(a)(5) violations emphasize the need for proper veterinary oversight in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Ensuring compliance with this requirement helps manufacturers avoid regulatory issues and ensures that their practices are aligned with audit expectations.
- Streamlined Process Controls: Issues related to work-in-progress (21 CFR 110.80(b)(5)) highlight the necessity of strong process controls to maintain product quality. Implementing robust controls not only ensures compliance but also contributes to more efficient operations during audits.
These benefits align with Atlas Compliance’s goal of providing AI-driven insights that help manufacturers optimize their regulatory preparedness. By addressing these key areas, manufacturers can streamline their processes, minimize risk, and ensure smoother, more successful audits.
How to Use Pittman’s Record for Audit Preparation
To incorporate Eric Pittman’s inspection record for audit readiness, manufacturers can follow these steps:
- Review 483 Trends: Analyze Pittman’s 483s to address recurring issues like inadequate recordkeeping and pest control deficiencies, prioritizing corrective actions.
- Strengthen Sanitation and Documentation: Conduct internal audits to ensure effective pest exclusion, facility maintenance, and comprehensive recordkeeping, aligning with FDCA and 21 CFR requirements.
- Use Atlas Compliance’s Tools: Atlas Compliance’s AI-powered platform, using natural language processing and predictive analytics, provides real-time access to Pittman’s inspection data, streamlining audit preparation efforts.
Conclusion
Eric Pittman’s 101 FDA inspections, 58 Form 483s, and 6 warning letters provide critical insights for food and pharmaceutical manufacturers, emphasizing recordkeeping, sanitation, and process controls. His inspection record serves as a guide for strengthening audit readiness. Atlas Compliance’s FDA inspection intelligence platform enables companies to access Pittman’s data, track compliance trends, and build robust audit preparation strategies. Visit Atlas Compliance to learn how their tools can help your organization excel in FDA audits and achieve regulatory compliance.
