P. M. Briefing : Phony Juice Conviction Stands
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WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court today let stand the conviction of former Beech-Nut Nutrition Corp. Vice President John Lavery on mail fraud and conspiracy charges for his role in a scheme to distribute phony apple juice.
Lavery was among those indicted in 1986 on charges of intentionally shipping adulterated and misbranded apple juice to 20 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and five foreign countries between 1978 and 1983.
The juice, labeled 100% apple juice for babies, actually was made from flavored sweetened concentrate that contained little or no apple juice.
Beech-Nut, a subsidiary of Nestle S.A. based in Ft. Washington, Pa., pleaded guilty to 215 counts of violating federal food and drug laws and agreed to pay a record $2-million fine.
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