Listeria Outbreak 2015 Update: Food Companies May Face Criminal Charges

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After a deadly listeria outbreak brought about by a Texas-based ice cream brand, the Justice Department has released a statement warning the food companies that they may face criminal charges should they be found guilty of food poisoning.

Daily Mail Online UK writes that criminal enforcement has tighten food safety laws due to reports that the Texas-based ice cream brand, Blue Bell Creameries, allegedly have contributed to the listeria outbreak, following the deaths of three people who have consumed their recalled products earlier this year.

San Jose Mercury News adds that it has been quite awhile since the administration has done anything when it comes to food safety laws. The last time that there has been any high-profile case against a food company was in 2008 to 2009, when a federal court in Georgia has found the Peanut Corporation of America guilty of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and wire fraud, to name a few. This has occurred after nine out of 700 affected people have died due to consumption of salmonella-tainted peanuts.

Associate Attorney General Stuart Delery has stated that it is the obligation of the administration to hold individuals and companies liable once they fail to comply with their food safety standards. Although the Food and Drug Administration has proven that it is indeed listeria that has caused the sickness and fatality, Atty. Delery has not commented as to whether the government will file a case against the ice cream brand, probably to avoid any publicity that could further complicate the incident.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that according to one of the victims’ lawyer, Atty. Bill Marler, this change in the justice system regarding food safety is like a breath of fresh air as there is finally something being done for the victims. He also stated that with this route, a better change may be seen about food laws.

Most of the companies in the food industry agrees with the stricter laws and enforcement. President and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association, Pamela G. Bailey, believes this will make people trust them more. She knows that food safety is the very essence of consumer trust, and that companies must ensure that the products they sell are good for human consumption.

In light of the changes, Attorney General Stuart Delery has called upon the meeting in Dallas last month to discuss with food companies the future of food safety and how it will be regulated and enforced.