Two executives of a family meat company in Kansas City, Kan., were indicted Wednesday on charges of selling misbranded and adulterated poultry products across the country, reports the Kansas City Star. Craig Cunningham and his son Jason of the Hitchin Post Steak Co. allege incidents between March and December of 2008, involving nearly 400,000 pounds of poultry products.

The indictment accused the two of conspiring to sell adulterated poultry products, meaning they were “unsound, unhealthful, unwholesome or otherwise unfit for human food” or were prepared under unsanitary conditions. Products were misbranded because they allegedly were processed outside the approved hours of USDA inspection. The two are also charged with unlawful use of a USDA inspection mark. Conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Selling adulterated poultry products carries a maximum penalty of three years and a $250,000 fine. Unauthorized use of an inspection mark carries a maximum penalty of one year and a fine of $100,000.

The Hitchin Post began operations in 1999 and sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2009. Craig Cunningham told the Starthat he was unaware of the indictment.

Source: Kansas City Star