The People's Court of Huojia county said in its Tuesday verdict that the seven had been selling clenbuterol, an illegal carcinogenic food additive used to keep pigs lean, to farmers since 2009.

The seven were also punished with fines between 1,000 yuan ($156) and 28,000 yuan, according to the verdict.

In March, China Central Television (CCTV) reported that clenbuterol was found in pigs purchased by a subsidiary of the Shuanghui Group, China's largest meat processor.

An investigation found that clenbuterol-fortified pig feed had been distributed to eight provincial regions, including Henan, Shandong and Jiangsu provinces, triggering a public outcry over food safety.

The Jiaozuo Intermediate People's Court sentenced Liu Xiang to death with a two-year reprieve and Xi Zhongjie to life in prison on July 25 for producing and selling over 2,700 kg of clenbuterol.

Three others, including Liu's wife, were given jail terms ranging from nine to 15 years.

Three former food safety officials were also sentenced by a local court on the same day to jail terms ranging from five to six years for dereliction of duty.

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