Tainted Peanut Butter, Tainted Milk
We’ve been shocked to learn that the peanut plant located in Georgia linked to a salmonella outbreak that has killed eight people and sickened hundreds more knowingly shipped out contaminated peanut butter 12 times in the past two years, according to the Washington Post. And we thought Wall Street was bad.
The Food and Drug Administration has been leading the investigation, but this employer might get a visit from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as well. State inspection reports indicate a pattern of unsanitary conditions over several years. Did these conditions have something to do with the salmonella outbreak? What effect did these conditions have on employees at the plant? OSHA may find out.
An FDA official has said he doesn’t know if the employer will face criminal charges. I wonder what it would take to cause criminal charges to be filed. OSHA might have a take on that.
We don’t have to wonder what would happen in China. Two company officials involved with manufacturing and selling tainted milk that killed at least six children were recently sentenced to death.
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About Chris Parker
Chris Parker's practice focuses on the representation and counseling of companies in matters pertaining to the workplace and the protection of their intellectual property and trade secrets. In addition to serving as an advocate for clients, Mr. Parker is also trained as a mediator and frequently serves as a third-party neutral.
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About Jimmy Daniel
Jimmy Daniel provides counseling to businesses of all sizes related to the employment relationship. He assists in the drafting of employment agreements, policies, and handbooks, as well as provides guidance related to compliance with federal, state, and local legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
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About Larry Bridgesmith
While serving in an Of Counsel relationship with the firm, Mr. Bridgesmith also serves as the Executive Director at the Institute for Conflict Resolution at Lipscomb University and as an officer and principal in Strategic Resolutions Group, LLC. In these roles, Mr. Bridgesmith brings over 30 years of legal experience in dispute resolution and innovative workplace strategies to clients, students and business entities alike.
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Remember, the salmonella outbreak could affect your pet as well. It’s been found in dog biscuits and dog food, where the peanut butter comes from the same plant in Georgia.