DOJ Warns of Criminal Prosecutions for Food-Safety Lapses

In a recent Associated Press (AP) interview, U.S. Associate Attorney
General Stuart Delery warns that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will
pursue criminal penalties against companies that sell poisoned food. AP
cites the recent prosecution of Peanut Corp. of America executives along
with actions against the producers of tainted cantaloupe and eggs as
evidence of the federal government’s increased focus on criminal enforcement
of food safety laws. Plaintiffs’ attorney Bill Marler reportedly told
the news organization that the DOJ’s actions were especially notable
because the company executives charged in the prosecutions often did
not know that their food products were tainted.

“We have made a priority holding individuals and companies responsible
when they fail to live up to their obligations that they have to protect
the safety of the food that all of us eat,” Delery said. “The criminal
prosecutions we bring should stand as a stark reminder of the potential
consequences of disregarding danger to one’s customers in the name of
getting a shipment out on time—of sacrificing what is right for what is
expedient.” See Associated Press, July 13, 2015.

Issue 572