President of Peanut Corporation of America Refuses To Testify

Jamie Sheller — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:40:58 GMT

A Congressional subcommittee recently held a hearing on its investigation into the salmonella outbreak linked to a U.S. peanut processing company. Salmonella found in peanut products that sickened over 500 people and caused the deaths of 8 people, was traced back to the Blakely, GA plant of the Peanut Corporation of America. The outbreak led to one of the largest food recalls in U.S. history. Stewart Parnell, president of Peanut Corporation of America, and Sammy Lightsey, manager of its Georgia plant, were subpoenaed to testify before Congress. However, at the hearing they both refused to testify, citing their Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination. According to Congressional investigators, Peanut Corporation of America shipped peanut products without waiting for salmonella test results to come back. There is also a federal investigation into whether the company deliberately shipped contaminated products. In addition to the Blakely, GA plant, Peanut Corporation of America recently closed its plant in Plainview, TX, after salmonella contamination was found there.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie Sheller

Peanut Butter Products Recalled Amidst Salmonella Outbreak

Jamie Sheller — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT

In the midst of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened over 400 people, King Nut Companies has voluntarily recalled two of its brands of peanut butter after positive salmonella tests on an open container. King Nut Companies is based in Ohio, and the peanut butter at issue was not sold directly to consumers, but rather distributed through food service providers. The recalled peanut butter is distributed under the King Nut and Parnell's Pride brands, with a lot code that begins with the number "8.". Despite the positive salmonella test on the King Nut peanut butter, the FDA has not conclusively linked that peanut butter to the particular strain of salmonella involved in the recent outbreak. Meanwhile, according to King Nut, it has cancelled all orders with Peanut Corporation of America, its peanut butter manufacturer.

Further, companies such as the Kellogg Company and McKee Foods Corp., the company that sells Little Debbie snacks, have announced voluntary recalls of products that contain peanut butter. The investigation into this salmonella outbreak is ongoing, and until more is known about the salmonella contamination, federal authorities have advised consumers to avoid cookies, cakes and other foods containing peanut butter. However, the government has indicated its belief that most peanut butter sold in jars is safe. This recent outbreak has renewed calls for reform of the food safety laws and regulations.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie Sheller

Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer - Food Poisoning

President of Peanut Corporation of America Refuses To Testify

Peanut Butter Products Recalled Amidst Salmonella Outbreak