New Documentation Finds PCA Knew of Salmonella Contamination
Just a few weeks into history’s largest salmonella outbreak, eight deaths and 575 illnesses have occurred. It has now come to light that Peanut Corp. of America in Georgia knew as far back as 2007 that their products were probably tainted and even after tests confirmed the product contamination they elected to ship them. Federal law forbids producing or shipping foods that could be harmful to consumers' health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that in 2007 PCA shipped chopped peanuts on July 18 and 24 after salmonella was confirmed by private lab tests.
“In some instances, peanut products were shipped by (the company) prior to having assurance that the products were negative for salmonella,” said Michael Rogers, head of field investigations for the FDA.Rogers said the FDA made the discovery after a more detailed analysis of records submitted by the company. The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into the company. So far, more than 1,550 products have been recalled.
