The peanut company at the center of a salmonella scandal filed for bankruptcy protection on Friday, saying the extensive recalls of its products left it no choice but to close.

The Peanut Corporation of America filed for liquidation under Chapter 7 of the bankruptcy law in Virginia, where it is headquartered.

“This bankruptcy filing, while regrettable, will allow for an orderly liquidation of the company,” said Andrew S. Goldstein, a lawyer representing the peanut firm.

The company is the subject of a federal criminal investigation for allegedly sending out batches of peanut products that it knew to be contaminated with salmonella. Company officials could not be located for comment and have not spoken publicly since the outbreak began.