Georgia Peanut Company Executives Stand Trial in Salmonella Outbreak

On Monday, July 28th, the federal trial of three former peanut company executives began with jury selection in Albany, Georgia. The company was the cause of a salmonella outbreak in the state of Georgia that killed 9 people, and sickened hundreds of consumers.

The Peanut Corporation of America, based in Blakely, GA, had salmonella contamination problems that led to one of the largest food recalls in US history. The indictment alleges that not only did the company negligently allow the salmonella contamination to continue, they actively avoided cleaning their facilities.

Former owner Stewart Parnell, and his brother Michael Parnell – who worked as a food broker on behalf of the company – face 76 federal charges for creating fake certificates showing that their products were not contaminated, despite lab tests to the contrary. The Parnells also face charges of wire fraud, conspiracy, and introduction of misbranded food into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead.

Stewart Parnell and the plant’s quality control manager, Mary Wilkerson, were also charged with obstruction of justice.

The FDA began investigating the company in 2009, and the CDC traced the source of the salmonella contamination back to the Blakely plant. The FDA’s investigation uncovered severely unsanitary conditions, including a lack of controls to keep rodents and insects out of the facility. The plant roasted raw peanuts, and also made peanut butter and peanut paste.

Georgia plant manager Samuel Lightsey was also charged with seven federal criminal counts related to the salmonella outbreak, and pleaded guilty in May of this year.

House of Reps Introduces Salmonella Recall Bill to Protect Consumers

The number of salmonella cases due to contaminated Foster Farms chicken continues to increase – as of June 2014, the amount of people who contracted salmonella after consuming the company’s chicken products has risen to 600. However, Foster Farms has never issued a food recall for its chicken because, under current federal law, salmonella is not a pathogen but an “additive.”  Although it’s not subject to recall, it does not change the fact that it can cause food poisoning.

Now, two members of Congress have introduced a food safety bill that would require, in such circumstances, a food recall from the manufacturer.

On Wednesday, June 25th, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-N.Y.) introduced a new food safety bill, stating plainly that consumers need much better protection, especially in a day and age of “superbugs” and antibiotic resistant bacteria.

“The USDA has failed to recall meat contaminated with antibiotic-resistant pathogens because they do not believe they have the legal authority to do so. This bill would ensure there is no confusion,” the lawmakers said in a prepared statement. “We need federal agencies that will protect public health, not bend to the threats of deep-pocketed food producers seeking to escape regulation.”

Food Poisoning, Food Recall, and Defective Product Lawyers at the Strom Law Firm

Many manufacturers do their best to produce high-quality food, medical, and recreational equipment. However, some companies do not pay close enough attention to the manufacturing process and release products on the market that cause great personal injury. While the FDA and USDA issue product and food recalls on a regular basis, they cannot prevent in food-borne outbreaks such as listeria, e. Coli, and salmonella. It is important to hold manufacturers to a higher standard, and a defective products lawyer can help when a food recall has not been issued in time. The Columbia, South Carolina-based attorneys at the Strom Law Firm are licensed to practice in South Carolina, Georgia, and New York, to help you with your personal injury or food poisoning claim. We offer free consultations to discuss the facts of your case, so contact us today for help. 803.252.4800.