The trial against three former executives of the meat manufacturer Wilke-Waldecker began at the Kassel regional court on Monday. The public prosecutor's office accuses them of, among other things, negligent homicide in eleven cases, negligent bodily harm and fraud.
2019 The company from Twistetal was closed due to fatal hygiene deficiencies. In the previous two years, eleven people died as a result of listeria contamination. The foodborne infection can be fatal for people with weakened immune systems. Many of the deceased lived in care facilities supplied by Wilke.
According to the public prosecutor's office, the defendants knowingly had spoiled sausage products delivered. Expired goods are said to have received an incorrect best-before date, to secure profits. The management's practice is believed to have cost eleven lives, Hundreds of employees lost their livelihoods.
The defendants were silent at the start of the trial.