Kraft gets subpoena over Indian plant

Kraft Foods Inc., the world's second-biggest food company, said it received a subpoena this month from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission tied to an investigation of corporate practices in India.

The probe, conducted in connection with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, concerns a facility Kraft got as part of its takeover of British confectioner Cadbury Plc last year, according to a regulatory filing today. The SEC wants information on dealings with Indian government agencies.

Kraft received the subpoena Feb. 1, according to the filing. The company said it's cooperating with the U.S. government in its investigation. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act bars corrupt payments to foreign officials for obtaining or keeping business.

Michael Mitchell, a spokesman for Northfield-based Kraft, didn't immediately return a call or e-mail for comment, nor did John Nester, a spokesman for the SEC. Kraft, led by Chief Executive Officer Irene Rosenfeld, counts Oreo cookies and Trident gum among its products.

Kraft fell 12 cents to $31.59 at 11:35 a.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. The shares have gained 10 percent in the past 12 months before today.