Update to today’s earlier post: the Georgia House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill today that would strengthen food safety laws in Georgia. The Georgia House and Senate now will resolve minor differences in the proposed legislation and send a final version to Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue for his signature. Also today, the AP reports that … Continue Reading
The Georgia House of Representatives today considers proposed legislation to strengthen food safety rules in that state. Among other things, Senate Bill 80 includes a provision that would require food makers to alert state inspectors within 24 hours if a plant’s internal tests show products are tainted. Experts say no other state has such a rule. … Continue Reading
Stewart Parnell, President and owner of Peanut Corporation of America, appeared before a subcommittee of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform today. The hearing did without his testimony, howevver, as he pleaded the Fifth Amendment. As we try to follow the breaking news (including, sadly, a ninth death linked to the salmonella in … Continue Reading
Bill Marler posted on his blog recently a complaint for declaratory relief filed by an insurer for Peanut Corporation of America (“PCA”). Mr. Marler comments, “Frankly, I read this suit several times and still do not see what the fight is about.” For those who represent commercial insureds in pursuing coverage from their insurers, the suit … Continue Reading
Peanut Corporation of America's way of dealing with positive salmonella tests for its peanut products is a case study in exactly what not to do to avoid criminal prosecution. The FDA's investigation indicates that PCA shipped product before test results came in and then continued to ship after receiving positive tests. This is precisely the kind of actions that are likely to compound, not lessen, the likelihood of criminal prosecution. Indeed, the FBI is now involved in the case, assisting the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations.… Continue Reading
By guest blogger Per Ramfjord The FDA’s recent announcement that it is pursuing a criminal investigation of Peanut Corporation of America, arising out of the Salmonella-driven peanut product recall, is sure to raise concerns with executives in food product companies throughout the country. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs’s comment that the Obama administration intends … Continue Reading
UPDATE – This panel will address emerging issues related to the recalls and investigations related to the Peanut Corporation of America. The panel includes persons intimately involved with these issues. Anybody with an interest in the peanut recall should register and tune-in. The American Bar Association is presenting its second Hot Topics in Food Law teleconference on … Continue Reading
