Parker Waichman LLP

Salmonella Outbreak Company Sold Peanuts, Peanut Butter to USDA for School Lunch Programs

Peanut Corp. of America (PCA) apparently shipped truckloads of potentially salmonella tainted peanuts and peanut butter to free lunch programs at schools across the country.   According to The Washington Post, PCA allowed thousands of poor children to eat the dangerous food even though it’s own tests has found salmonella in some of the products. According […]

Peanut Corp. of America (PCA) apparently shipped truckloads of potentially <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/Peanut_Corp_of_America_Salmonella_Outbreak">salmonella tainted peanuts and peanut butter to free lunch programs at schools across the country.   According to The Washington Post, PCA allowed thousands of poor children to eat the dangerous food even though it’s own tests has found salmonella in some of the products.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, eight people have died and 575 have been sickened because of the PCA salmonella outbreak.  PCA, which provides ingredients to 85 other food firms, has recalled everything made at its Blakely, Georgia plant since January 2007. Hundreds of  products made by other firms, including the Kellogg Company and General mills, have also been recalled.  The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has even set up a new online  database to help consumers track the recalls.  The agency said it expects the recalls to continue, and has cautioned consumers to avoid foods made with peanut butter or paste unless they are sure the ingredients did not come from PCA.

As we reported earlier, recent FDA inspections of the Georgia plant found that PCA shipped products that tested positive for salmonella contamination at least a dozen times in 2007 and 2008.  The inspection also turned up mold, roaches and a leaking roof. The company also didn’t clean its equipment there after finding contamination, and didn’t properly separate raw and finished products, the FDA said.

This findings have prompted the U.S. Justice Department to open its own criminal probe of PCA. The FDA has also faced criticism for its failure to regulate PCA.  According to the Associated Press, prior to the outbreak, FDA inspectors had not been to the Georgia plant since 2001.

Now, The Washington Post is reporting that PCA sold 32 truckloads of tainted peanuts and peanut butter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for school free lunch programs.  According to the Post report, schools in California, Minnesota and Idaho received the suspected peanut products between January and November 2007.  Yesterday, the USDA suspended its contract with PCA.

It’s ironic that the tainted peanuts were sold to the USDA, which like the FDA, is charged with protecting the nation’s food supply. And while the FDA had failed to inspect the PCA Georgia plant since 2001, the USDA had sent inspectors there on at least 10 occasions between 2001 and 2007,  the Post said.  But apparently USDA inspectors were not interested in the conditions of a facility that would be making peanut butter for thousands of kids.  Rather, they were only interested in determining if PCA could handle the huge school lunch program orders.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value They settled a personal injury case for me very much to my satisfaction. I really want to thank my paralegal, Kathy Snedecor, for all her assistance. She was the one who stayed on top of things and tirelessly helped me through this tumultuous process.
Frank Borgi
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I am a 9/11 survivor and it was my good fortune to work with paralegal Benita Rollis. She thoroughly explained the process and helped me to complete all the paperwork. I distinctly remember the day she called to check on me and to encourage me to schedule a medical appointment with WTC health program. I was reluctant to proceed but Benita gave me a much needed pep talk. Thank you Benita! All of Benita’s hard work has made the difference and this has been concluded very favorably.
FredHart
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Excellent firm that is handling my auto accident case. All of my questions have been responded to in a timely manner. The nurse, Joann, assigned to my case checks on my progress often. And personalized service for any questions I have is just a phone call away. I highly recommend Parker Waichman.
Cindy Sippin
5 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038