Scandal Involving NYC School Official Leads to Urgent Food Safety Reforms

Former NYC school food chief sentenced to 2 years for bribery in tainted chicken scandal, endangering students’ health.

At a Glance

Eric Goldstein, ex-NYC school food services head, sentenced to 2 years for bribery
Scandal involved serving contaminated chicken tenders to schoolchildren.
Three men from vendor SOMMA Food Group also sentenced for their roles
Largest bribe paid after choking incident on bone in chicken tender
Tainted products continued to be served in schools until April 2017

Former NYC School Official Sentenced in Shocking Bribery Case

Eric Goldstein, the former head of food services for New York City public schools, has been sentenced to two years in prison for his role in a bribery scheme that put students’ health at risk. Goldstein, who held his position from 2008 to 2018, was found guilty of accepting bribes to keep contaminated chicken tenders in school cafeterias, despite known safety concerns.

The scandal has sent shockwaves through the community, revealing a disturbing breach of trust in the school system. Goldstein’s conviction came alongside three men from SOMMA Food Group, the vendor at the center of the controversy. Blaine Iler received one year in prison and a $10,000 fine, while Michael Turley and Brian Twomey each received 15-month sentences, with Twomey also fined $10,000.

The former head of food services for New York City public schools has been sentenced to two years in prison for a bribery scandal that resulted in children being served chicken tenders contaminated with metal and bone.
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— WKTV (@WKTV) September 9, 2024

Tainted Chicken and Bribery Scheme Uncovered

The investigation revealed that Goldstein abused his position by accepting bribes to keep SOMMA’s products in schools, even after reports of contamination. The chicken tenders served to students were found to contain metal, bone, and plastic, posing serious health risks. Despite complaints and a choking incident involving a bone in a chicken tender, SOMMA’s products continued to be served in schools until April 2017.

“Eric Goldstein corruptly abused his high-ranking position of trust as a public official and pursued lucrative bribes at the expense of schoolchildren, many of whom rely on healthy meals provided by the New York City Department of Education,” U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said in a statement.

The largest bribe payment occurred in fall 2016, following a choking incident that temporarily halted the serving of SOMMA’s chicken tenders. Shockingly, Goldstein approved the reintroduction of these products into schools the very next day after receiving the bribe.

Elaborate Scheme to Conceal Bribes

Prosecutors uncovered an intricate plot to disguise the bribery payments. Goldstein and the SOMMA Food Group executives formed a separate company to import grass-fed beef, which investigators argue was merely a front to funnel bribes to Goldstein. This revelation highlights the lengths to which the conspirators went to conceal their illegal activities.

Peace said Goldstein “prioritized lining his pockets with payoffs from his co-defendants” to ensure that the defendants’ food stayed in the schools even after plastic, bones, and metal were found in the chicken.

The sentencing of Goldstein and his co-conspirators marks a significant step towards justice, but it also raises serious questions about the oversight and safety measures in place within the school system. Parents and community members are rightfully demanding more stringent food safety protocols and ethical reforms to prevent such egregious breaches of trust in the future.