Washington (CNN) -- Four former officials of the now-closed Peanut Corporation of America were indicted Thursday on charges related to salmonella-tainted peanuts and peanut products, the Justice Department said. A 2009 salmonella outbreak that prompted a massive recall of peanut goods led to nine deaths and more than 700 illnesses in more than 40 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. A plant in Blakely, Georgia, roasted and processed raw peanuts. Its peanut paste was sold to customers nationwide and used in crackers, cookies, and other items.
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Indictment charges four former officials of Peanut Corporation of America
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NEW: FDA said plant shipped tainted peanut paste that wound up in crackers, other foods
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NEW: Salmonella outbreak in 2009 blamed for nine deaths, hundreds of illnesses
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NEW: Food recalls are common, but criminal charges around them are rare
The Food and Drug Administration (@placeholder) said the company shipped tainted product it knew had tested positive for bacteria linked to the salmonella outbreak.