Perception of peanut products has gone down, meaning peanut farmers could lose money
The downturn in the economy hurt southwest Georgia peanut farmers, and the salmonella outbreak isn't helping.
A new crop season is upon peanut farmers in southwest Georgia and many don't know how much to plant because they aren't sure if the demand will go up or down. Senator Johnny Isakson says he wants to prevent another salmonella outbreak and holds weekly meetings with the Peanut Commission in Georgia. The Georgia Senate is looking at a food safety bill that was introduced in response to the outbreak. If passed, it would require foodmakers to notify state inspectors of a contamination within 24 hours.
Companies that fail to disclose test results would face felony charges and a prison sentence of up to five years.
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