What do producers of meat produced under insanitary conditions face by way of criminal sanctions?
Under the Federal Meat Inspection Act – here are the criminal provisions:
The Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) is primarily codified in Title 21 of the United States Code (USC), sections 601-695. Provisions concerning criminal penalties under the FMIA are primarily found in Section 678 of Title 21.
Here’s a breakdown of the relevant sections regarding criminal penalties:
Key Provisions Relating to Criminal Penalties
- 21 U.S.C. § 601-633: These sections detail the definitions, requirements, and standards for the inspection of meat and meat products but do not explicitly cover penalties.
- 21 U.S.C. § 674: Administrative and enforcement provisions, including the authority to regulate and inspect meat products.
- 21 U.S.C. § 678 (Criminal Penalties): This section outlines the criminal penalties for violations of the FMIA. It specifies that any person who:
- Violates any provision of the act, or any of the regulations made under the act.
- Falsifies documentation or engages in fraudulent behavior regarding meat inspection.
- Can face misdemeanor charges with penalties including a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.
- Furthermore, if a person knowingly or willfully violates the act in a manner that leads to serious consequences, this can elevate to felony charges, which may result in fines up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations, and imprisonment for up to three years.
- 21 U.S.C. § 67: Discusses the seizure of products that violate the act and is often employed for enforcement actions against violators.