U.S attorney John Wood said two Chinese businesses and their executives, along with a U.S. company and its owners, were indicted in separate but related cases in the manufacturing and importing of tainted wheat gluten used to make pet food in the United States. Massive recalls were issued last year after the pet deaths and illnesses came to light.

In a 27-count indictment, charges were filed against Chemnutra Inc., a Las Vegas company that buys food and food components in China and imports the items into the United States, and its owners Sally and Stephen Miller.

Charged in a 26-count indictment were a Chinese plant proteins processor and its owner, and an export broker and its owner.

"Millions of pet owners remember the anxiety of last year's pet food recall," Wood said. "These indictments are the product of an investigation that began in the wake of that recall. We take seriously our responsibility to uphold the health and safety standards that protect America's food supply."