Geektastic: "The companies and company directors were each fined between $350 and $4500 for adding the potentially dangerous additives to non-compliant meat products"

What is it with our courts and these uselessly low fines for everything? Someone puts potentially dangerous chemicals in our food and they are fined $350-$4500?!

Should be $35,000 - $450,000

sir1963: 

Fine should be based on a % of income for both People and companies.

sbiddle: It is neither unsafe nor dangerous* - it's simply illegal. (It is only dangerous if you're allergic to it)

Sulfur dioxide exists in thousands of products and is used as a preservative in virtually every processed meat product on the market. It's not however allowed in fresh meat to extend it's shelf life, in part because it's an allergen that must be declared, and NIP and ingredients are not required on single meat products.

sir1963:

Geektastic: "The companies and company directors were each fined between $350 and $4500 for adding the potentially dangerous additives to non-compliant meat products"

What is it with our courts and these uselessly low fines for everything? Someone puts potentially dangerous chemicals in our food and they are fined $350-$4500?!

Should be $35,000 - $450,000

Fine should be based on a % of income for both People and companies.

A $100 speeding fine for a low income family could be difficult, but for someone earning $100,000 plus its nothing.

So, the way to do it is Get the income, take away $20,000 living expenses then fine them up to 30% of the rest.

Same with Companies, take away $20,000 living expense and fine them 30% of the rest (Gross income), and NO the fines are NOT deductible.
And why Gross income, its so the likes of Google can't shunt 90% to a tax haven and call it a licence fee.

The whole part of fines is to act as a deterrent , so make it one.

mattwnz: 
That won't work because  people can manipulate what they earn on paper.

networkn: Heh that is just crazy talk, why should the fact I have educated myself, worked long hours and applied myself so I can earn well, mean that if I make the same mistake as someone else, I pay more?

Nonsense!