DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. – The Hillshire Brands Co. has filed a Notification of Late Filing with the US Securities and Exchange commission to delay the filing of its 10-K annual report up to 15 days. The company now has until Sept. 13 to file.

The filing delay is due to an investigation into accounting irregularities at D.E Master Blenders 1753 N.V., which, along with Hillshire Brands, was a part of the Sara Lee Corp. until both companies were spun off prior to the end of fiscal year 2012.

D.E Master Blenders informed Hillshire Brands that its internal investigation related to the accounting irregularities has been largely completed, according to Hillshire Brands. The timing of the filing is contingent upon the completion of the investigation and conclusion of the Hillshire Brands’ fiscal 2012 audit. The company stated there will be no changes to any of its fourth quarter or year-end financial results that were issued on Aug. 9.