Monday, 27 Frimaire 185 01:36 LMT
Woman Files Charges over Food Additive
by Robert MacAllister
DUNBANNOCH, L'NHRAEI (LNN) – Lawyers for Josephine Asplund filed charges of battery and/or wrongful injury against Briggson Foods, Inc (BRG), its CEO Edgar Morgan, and Vice-Presidents Simon Banford, Sophie Cain, and Alexandra t'Rheiarr just after 12:00 (01:00 LMT) today, claiming that a food additive caused her recent illness.
In Thermidor, Briggson Foods began adding a chemical called proprionic sulfate (trade name Preservin), which it had developed over the past several years. It was designed to prevent foods from spoiling and therefore last longer. Tests of Preservin showed that food with it lasted up to a week longer without refrigeration and up to four months longer with refrigeration.
Most tests, conducted by both Briggson Foods and independent testing agencies, revealed no harmful effects from the new preservative. Some, however, indicated a possible risk of organ damage, particularly in higher doses.
The charges allege that Preservin was responsible for Asplund's recent illness, which involved problems with her stomach, liver, and heart. "A company must be held responsible for the harm it causes to consumers," said Asplund's attorney, Mark Darningham. "They knew this chemical was unsafe, and since they had already spent millions of pounds developing it, they put it into our food anyway."
Briggson Foods has hired the law firm of Stuart, tr'Malek, and Desmond to represent it in this matter. Eileen Desmond released a statement saying, "While Briggson Foods and its officers sympathise with Ms Asplund's illness, we strongly deny that Preservin was any part of its cause. All the reliable studies show it is safe, and it has a tremendous benefit to everyone by increasing the food supply."
If convicted of battery, the officers charged could face ten to thirty-five years in prison and a fine between £10,000 and £500,000. Wrongful injury, the lesser charge, brings no jail time, but a fine of up to £200,000.
Briggson Foods stock dropped only five shillings following the charges, indicating many investors are taking a wait-and-see approach.
© CLXXXV L'nhraei News Network