By Terry Frieden, CNN Justice Producer
WASHINGTON (CNN) — Four former officials of the Peanut Corporation of America were indicted on Thursday on charges related to salmonella-tainted peanuts and peanut products, the Justice Department said.
The 76-count indictment, unsealed in Georgia, alleged mail and wire fraud, the introduction of adulterated and misbranded food into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead, and conspiracy.
The plant in Blakely, Georgia, roasted and processed raw peanuts. Its peanut paste was sold to customers nationwide.
In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the company shipped tainted product it knew had tested positive for bacteria linked to a nationwide outbreak of salmonella.
