In most cases, criminal charges are predicated on the accused acting with “scienter.” That is, the criminal conduct must be intentional. Certain criminal misdemeanor offenses, however, are excepted from the scienter requirement — these are known as strict-liability offenses.
With strict-liability offenses, it does not matter whether the perpetrator was aware of or intended to commit the violation. Speeding is an example of a strict liability offense. It does not matter whether the driver intended to speed or knew they were speeding. Similarly, shipping contaminated food in violation of the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) is a strict-liability offense.