September 19, 2014

Stewart and Michael Parnell , two former officials of the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), were convicted of conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, and the introduction of misbranded food into interstate commerce in connection with the unlawful sale of salmonella-tainted peanuts and peanut products. Expert evidence at trial showed that tainted food led to an outbreak in 2009 with more than 700 reported cases of salmonella poisoning which translates into more than 22,000 total cases. The government presented evidence the Parnells defrauded PCA customers and jeopardized the quality and purity of their peanut products. Specifically, the government presented evidence that defendants misled customers and the FDA about the presence of salmonella in their products. DOJ