The Canadian food executive who blamed Trump for the Iran shooting down a plane killing 176 apologized in 2008 for a listeria outbreak from his products that left 22 dead.
Michael McCain, 68, CEO of Maple Leaf Foods and one of the 100 richest Canadians, tore into President Trump and held him responsible for Iran shooting down a passenger plane containing dozens of Canadians.
“I am very angry, and time isn’t making me less angry. A MLF colleague of mine lost his wife and family this week to a needless, irresponsible series of events in Iran,” McCain said in a Sunday statement on his company’s Twitter account. “U.S. government leaders unconstrained by checks/balances, concocted an ill-conceived plan to divert focus from political woes. The world knows Iran is a dangerous state, but the world found a path to contain it; not perfect but by most accounts it was the right direction.”
…U.S. government leaders unconstrained by checks/balances, concocted an ill-conceived plan to divert focus from political woes. The world knows Iran is a dangerous state, but the world found a path to contain it; not perfect but by most accounts it was the right direction…
— Maple Leaf Foods (@MapleLeafFoods) January 13, 2020
“A narcissist in Washington tears world accomplishments apart; destabilizes region. US now unwelcomed everywhere in the area including Iraq; tensions escalated to feverish pitch,” he added. “Taking out despicable military leader terrorist? There are a hundred like him, standing next in line. The collateral damage of this irresponsible, dangerous, ill-conceived behavior? 63 Canadians needlessly lost their lives in the crossfire, including the family of one of my MLF colleagues (his wife + 11 year old son)! We are mourning and I am livid.”
…The collateral damage of this irresponsible, dangerous, ill-conceived behavior? 63 Canadians needlessly lost their lives in the crossfire, including the family of one of my MLF colleagues (his wife + 11 year old son)! We are mourning and I am livid. Michael McCain.
— Maple Leaf Foods (@MapleLeafFoods) January 13, 2020
In 2008, Maple Leaf Foods was responsible for the worst outbreak of listeria in Canada, leaving dozens sick and 22 people dead. The company was forced to recall deli products after it pinpointed its slicing machines at one of its plants as being the source of the contamination.
McCain took full responsibility for the outbreak at the time, calling the situation the “toughest situation we’ve faced in a 100 years as a company.”
He said:”Tragically, our products have been linked to illness and loss of life. To those people who are ill, and to the families who have lost loved ones, I offer my deepest and sincerest sympathies”, said Mr. McCain. “Words cannot begin to express our sadness for their pain.
“This week our best efforts delivering the highest quality, safe food have failed us. For that we are deeply sorry. We know this has shaken consumer confidence in us. Our actions will continue to be guided by putting their interest first.”
His criticism of Trump came after Iran admitted it shot down the Ukrainian airliner. The country blamed “human error” but said they were triggered by “U.S. adventurism.”
