According to the press release by Sen. Leahy's office, the Food Safety Accountability Act "creates a new criminal offense in the criminal code for any individual or corporation that knowingly distributes tainted food products, and establishes fines and prison sentences for those convicted of such a crime."
This legislation comes after a recent egg recall which began on August 13, 2010 and is linked to two Iowa farms. The outbreak of Salmonella enteritidis has been liked to these farms and with about 1,500 cases, this is the largest known outbreak associated with this strain of salmonella. The criminal division of FDA and the Department of Justice have also joined the investigation. For more information on the egg recall and investigation, click here and here to read past US Ag&Food Law and Policy Blog Posts on the subject.
Senator Leahy said, "The fines and recalls that usually result from criminal violations under current law fall short in protecting the public from harmful products. Too often, those who are willing to endanger our children in pursuit of profits view such fines or recalls as just the cost of doing business."
This legislation "will allow prosecutors to seek prison sentences of up to 10 years for people who knowingly place contaminated food products into the nation's food supply."
To read the press release from Sen. Leahy, click here.
Posted: 09/14/2010
