Case library · The Cost of Doing Business
The Tainted Peanut Shipments
United States v. Parnell (2014)
Charge: Conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, introducing adulterated and misbranded food into commerce, obstruction of justiceCourt: U.S. District Court, Middle District of GeorgiaState: GeorgiaDocket: The Cost of Doing Business
The facts
The head of a peanut-processing company was charged over a nationwide salmonella outbreak traced to its products. More than 700 people were reported sick. Prosecutors say the company shipped peanut products with certificates stating lab tests had shown them free of germs, when no test had been done or the tests had actually found salmonella. He was also accused of giving false or misleading answers to food-safety inspectors during the outbreak investigation. Two former plant managers pleaded guilty and testified against him. The charges include conspiracy, fraud, shipping adulterated food, and obstruction.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: United States v. Parnell, No. 1:13-cr-00012
Read more at justice.gov. The source reveals the outcome.