An ethical theory applicable to analyzing the peanut butter recall crisis is John Stuart Mill’s theory of utilitarianism. It is a teleological ethical theory and is a much-used foundation for capitalistic business ethics (Mill, 2002). Teleological ethical principles and systems stress the idea of the end result of an action rather than the action itself (Day, Dong, & Robins, 2001). This level of philosophy emphasizes outcomes. At its most basic form, the ends justify the means. In this approach, ethical actions are those that result in the greatest good. This naturalistic approach focuses on the causes and consequences of actions and is situationally specific (McElreath, 1996). McElreath (1996) states, “it does not assume a single source of authority, but rather emphasizes factors leading up to and following a specific action” (p. 322). Teleology can be looked at in restricted and universal forms. Restricted forms calculate the consequences only for a particular person or group while universal teleology stresses consequences to society as a whole. Also known as utilitarianism, universal forms stress the greatest good for the greatest number (Curtin & Boynton, 2001).