Gideon Landsberger
Photo: Ido Erez
Frederick Black
Photo: Ido Erez
State appeals former Remedia CEO's acquittal
Appeal says Landsberger's failings as CEO of baby food company contributed to disaster which claimed lives of four babies, maimed dozens more
The Central District Prosecutor's Office filed an appeal with Lod's District Court against the acquittal of former Remedia CEO Gideon Landsberger on charges of negligent homicide, negligent injury and others.
According to the appeal, Landsberger contributed to the Remedia disaster by failing to create an administrative mechanism to ensure the quality and safety of the baby food produced by the company.
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"It is impossible to let the CEO shirk his personal responsibilities while hiding behind someone else, even though that someone happens to be a specialist in the relevant field," the Central District Prosecutor's Office stated.
Petah Tikva's Magistrate's Court ruled last month that Landsberger had no responsibility regarding decisions made by specialists such as food technologist Frederick Black, convicted of negligent homicide.
The court convicted the former CEO only of violating standards and sentenced him to three months probation and a fine of NIS 10,000 (about $2,700).
In addition, another appeal was filed against the acquittal of Black, who was convicted of negligent homicide but acquitted of the negligent injury of two infants.
Last March, Black was sentenced to 30 months in jail, and he is set to begin his term next week.
The story broke in 2003, and brought civil and criminal charges against the company and its management. From July to November 2003, Remedia sold formula that caused irreversible nervous system damage to babies, paralysis, and damage to heart function.
Three children died, and another girl died seven years later as a result of her injuries. Dozens of injured children still suffer as a result of the negligence.
In 2008, an indictment was filed against senior Remedia and Health Ministry officials. It included charges of negligent manslaughter, and injury through negligence, as well as other charges such as deceiving consumers and obstructing justice.
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