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Latest headlines

ConAgra found liable in 2009 plant explosion

By Jeremy Gerrard
March 28, 2016

Packaged food giant ConAgra Foods was found liable for $108.9 million in a civil lawsuit stemming from a 2009 fatal explosion at a Slim Jim plant in North Carolina.

The Omaha World-Herald reported a jury for the Douglas County District Court found the company “negligent” in the June 2009 explosion that occurred during the installation of an industrial water heater at the Garner, NC plant. Three employees were immediately killed by the blast though dozens more were injured. Jacobs Engineering, a California company contracted to provide services at the plant, paid out approximately $108 million to settle lawsuits with affected parties. Jacobs Engineering later sued ConAgra to recoup the money, arguing no role in the explosion. The jury found Jacobs Engineering was not responsible.

ConAgra says it will appeal the decision.

KEYWORDS: food and beverage manufacturing food processing industry worker safety

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Jeremy Gerrard was Food Engineering's Digital/Online Editor. He is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in journalism. His previous work experience includes years spent as a reporter with the Daily Local News out of Chester County, PA. In addition to writing feature articles for Food Engineering, Jeremy covered the Dry Processing, Field Reports and People and Industry news sections.

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