Fresno County and the city of Reedley are preparing to complete the cleanup of an illegal biological laboratory discovered in late 2022, with the final removal of recalled and embargoed medical testing kits scheduled for Nov. 9.
The California Department of Public Health has received approval from Fresno County Superior Court to destroy the remaining materials at the former laboratory at 850 I St., according to a joint announcement from county and city officials.
The materials include pregnancy tests, COVID-19 tests, ketone test strips and other unauthorized testing products. State officials will remove the items Monday and transport them for destruction.
Officials said the remaining materials have not posed a threat to the surrounding community.
The facility drew national attention in 2023 after investigators discovered biological materials, chemicals, hazardous substances and laboratory equipment inside the warehouse.
The investigation began in late 2022 after Reedley code enforcement officials identified suspicious activity at the property. Subsequent inspections in early 2023 prompted a coordinated response involving local, state and federal public health agencies.
Biological materials were removed from the facility in July 2023, followed by chemicals and other hazardous materials in January 2024.
With the final cleanup approaching, Reedley officials are working with the property’s owner to determine the building’s future. Options include repairing the property for reuse or demolishing the structure.
The case also prompted concerns about regulatory oversight of privately funded research laboratories.
Fresno County has adopted an ordinance requiring annual inspections of laboratories that fall outside the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments framework, which regulates certain laboratory testing activities.
Despite the local requirements, county and Reedley officials continue to advocate for stronger state and federal oversight of privately funded research facilities.
Officials said additional regulations are needed to protect communities from potentially dangerous laboratory operations and biological threats.
