Four former executives from Peanut Corp. of America and a related company are facing federal criminal charges for covering up information that their peanut butter was contaminated with salmonella bacteria.
The charges are related to a nationwide outbreak of salmonella back in 2009. More than 700 people became ill, and federal investigators traced the source of the bacteria to peanut butter manufactured in Blakely, Ga., by the Peanut Corp. of America. The company is no longer in business.
More here: link.
I think it is appropriate that charges were filed against the company even though the company is no longer in business. I also think it would be appropriate for the peanut corp. to pay grievances or some other cost to the people who became ill. This crackdown on the company sends a strong signal to other companies who may be trying to pass unsafe products to the consumer.
ReplyDeleteThis situation makes it apparent that food is not always safe for consumers and that a company needs to be held liable for that. Also that people need to be more aware about food they are purchasing. The American food system does a good job of self-evaluating risk so it is sad that this situation hurts the relationship that people might have with a certain food product. I do agree with Morgan with the fact that there should be some kind of retribution for this and they should pay a fine or grievance.
Delete