Senator Leahy Proposes Jail Time for Food Contaminators

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) has introduced legislation that would give federal prosecutors the authority to seek prison sentences up to 10 years for those who “knowingly place contaminated food products into the nation’s food supply.” Explaining his reason for introducing the Food Safety Enhancement Act (S.3669), the senator referred to the Salmonella contamination of peanut products in 2008 involving the Peanut Corp. of America; the outbreak purportedly “left nine people dead and sickened hundreds more.” According to a press statement, Leahy said, “The bill I introduce today would increase sentences for people who put profits above safety by knowingly contaminating the food supply. It makes such offenses felony violations and significantly increases the chances that those who commit them will face jail time, rather than a slap on the wrist, for their criminal conduct.” See Office of Senator Leahy Press Release, July 29, 2010.