Peanut butter salmonella outbreak brings federal charges against four

The indictment by a federal grand jury in Georgia is a rare move by the federal government after an outbreak connected to food. Justice Department officials said Thursday it serves as a warning to food manufacturers who may compromise consumer safety for higher profits.

“When food or drug manufacturers lie and cut corners, they put all of us at risk,” Stuart F. Delery, who heads the Justice Department's Civil Division, said at a news conference.

The 76-count indictment accuses Peanut Corporation of America owner Stewart Parnell, his brother Michael Parnell, and Georgia plant manager Samuel Lightsey with conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud and the introduction of adulterated and misbranded food into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead. Michael Parnell was a food broker who worked with the company.

Stewart Parnell, Lightsey and quality assurance manager Mary Wilkerson were also charged with obstruction of justice. The conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years.

The Justice Department said a fifth employee had pleaded guilty to similar charges in a separate case.