A Peanut CEO received a 28 years jail sentence on Monday for knowingly permitting the release of salmonella-tainted peanut butter products to American consumers. The trial and sentencing took place in the state of Georgia.

Stewart Parnell, the former chief executive of Peanut Corporation of America, received the sentence from Judge W. Louis Sands of the United States District court.

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The judge said that Parnell's greed for more profit is the reason why he permitted the tainted peanut butter to be sold, with full knowledge that they can cause sickness and even death to those who would consume it.

From 2008 until 2009, it is estimated that hundreds of people across the United States were made ill by the salmonella tainted peanut butter. Health authorities believe that at least nine people died from salmonella poisoning.

The victims and their families, who were present in the court room, wanted the harshest penalty possible. Meanwhile, relatives of the convicted executive pleaded for mercy.

The court delivered a guilty verdict on all charges against Parnell last year although he did not testify on his own behalf during the hearing.

On the day of his sentencing, Parnell issued a public statement saying he is "sorry" as well as "ashamed and disgraced" for the event that took place.

His Virginia-based company, which also has a factory in Georgia, has already filed for bankruptcy. Investigation revealed that company health inspectors discovered the salmonella contamination as early as 2007. However, Parnell used his authority as chief executive to overturn the findings.

The condition of the company's factory showed a clear lack of sanitation, the presence of insects as well as rats have been noted.

The U.S. government started prosecuting food manufacturers, who knowingly allow the sale of tainted products, a few years back. Several executives have been arrested and tried, but Parnell has received the harshest penalty so far.

The brother of the executive and former company officer Michael Parnell and plant manager Mary Wilkerson were also sentenced to prison for their culpability in the salmonella tainted peanut butter case.

Parnell is expected to file an appeal according to his defense lawyer Thomas Bondurant Jr.

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