DeLauro Statement on DOJ Investigation into Peanut Corp.

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn. -3) issued the following statement on the announcement that the Department of Justice and the Food and Drug Administration will launch a criminal investigation into Peanut Corporation of America and its Blakely, Georgia plant, which has been tied to a Salmonella outbreak that has killed eight and sickened more than 500 people.

Earlier this week, DeLauro called for a Justice Department investigation (please click here to view the statement) and today sent a letter with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) (please click here to view the letter).

"It is very gratifying that the Department of Justice will open a criminal investigation into the Peanut Corporation of America's role in the salmonella outbreak. I intend to follow the investigation closely to ensure that, if the allegations of criminal behavior prove to be true, the guilty parties receive appropriate punishment."