Colo. farmers charged in outbreak to plead guilty

Two Colorado cantaloupe farmers charged in a deadly listeria outbreak plan to plead guilty under a deal with federal prosecutors.

Eric and Ryan Jensen filed documents Tuesday notifying the court that they would plead guilty to unspecified charges under the agreements.

Ryan Jensen’s lawyer declined comment Wednesday and Eric Jensen’s lawyer didn’t immediately return a call. A prosecutors’ spokesman wasn’t available to comment because of the government shutdown.

The brothers were charged last month with introducing adulterated food into interstate commerce. The Food and Drug Administration said the rare move was intended to send a message to food producers.

The agency said conditions at their farm led to the 2011 outbreak that killed 33 people.

They each faced up to six years in prison if convicted of the original charges.