Source:  Ann Bagel Storck, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 1/12/10

Following an explosion that killed four and injured dozens last June at its Slim Jim plant in Garner, N.C., ConAgra Foods has agreed to pay $106,440 and make policy and procedural changes such as addressing potential safety issues with contractors upfront.

The fine is less than the $134,773 the North Carolina Labor Department originally cited ConAgra for last month.  With this new settlement, the Omaha, Neb.-based processor agreed to waive its right to contest the citations or penalties.

Investigators found that the explosion occurred when contractors installing a water heater vented natural gas inside the building.

A $58,100 fine against the contractor hired to install the water heater, Energy Systems Analysts of Hickory, N.C., is still pending.