The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

Earlier this week, Peanut Corporation of America was forced to close down a second plant. A recent investigation by the Texas Department of State Health Services found dead rodents, rodent excrement, and bird feathers in the Plainview, Texas plant.

As a result, the health department has ordered a recall of all products ever produced and shipped from the plant in its four year history.

The health department discovered the dead rodents and fecal matter in a crawl space near one of the production areas in the plant. The toxic substances from the crawl space were spread throughout the plant by the ventilation system, resulting in a contamination of the many peanut products produced there. While health inspectors have not conclusively determined that the peanut products contained salmonella, it is certain that they are not safe for consumption.

The Texas plant produced oil-roasted peanuts, dry-roasted peanuts, peanut meal, and granulated peanut products that were shipped to other food manufacturers for use in their products.

The peanut plant has been shut down indefinitely and will not be able to reopen without approval from the health department.

This is another major blow in what has been a very bad week for Peanut Corporation of America. Earlier this week, emails confiscated from Stewart Parnell, the president and owner of the company, indicated that he knew the products in his Blakely, Georgia plant were contaminated but insisted they be shipped out in an attempt to avoid losing profits.

Parnell's negligent and criminal behavior has led to one of the largest product recalls in our country's history. Approximately 2,000 products have been recalled, over 600 people have suffered serious illness, and nine people have died from Peanut Corporation of America's contaminated peanut products.

While Parnell will most likely face many defective product and wrongful death lawsuits, he may also be staring at jail time if it is determined that his actions are criminally negligent. Parnell's behavior is reprehensible and atrocious. Harsh consequences for his actions would likely send a strong message to other manufacturers, letting them know that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated.

If you have suffered an injury or illness as a result of eating contaminated peanut butter, you have rights. Please contact the product liability attorneys at the Cochran Firm today to find out if you are eligible to receive compensation for your injuries.