A federal court jury convicted Stewart Parnell, former owner of Peanut Corp of America, of conspiracy, fraud and other charges ‘in a groundbreaking case stemming from a salmonella outbreak,” said CNN. “The guilty verdict marks the first federal felony conviction for a company executive in a food safety case.” Parnell and his brother, Michael, a food broker, were accused of shipping salmonella-infected products. Michael Parnell also was found guilty on multiple counts, said CNN. The plant quality control manager was convicted of obstruction of justice.
Prosecutors said the company officials cut corners on safety in order to make more money. Nine people died ad more than 700 became ill during the 2008-09 outbreak of foodborne illness. “Food safety advocates said the trial was groundbreaking because it’s so rare corporate executives are held accountable in court for bacteria in food,” said CNN.