Texas Health Officials Close Food Processing Plant, Investigate Deaths

Texas health officials ordered SanGar Produce & Processing Co. to close on Wednesday and have recalled processed fresh fruit and vegetables linked six cases of listeriosis, including four deaths, according to the Associated Press.  The state health officials are also investigating four other cases of listeriosis, including one death.

Contaminated celery from the San Antonio plant was distributed to restaurants, hospitals, and schools.

"Health inspectors found problems with sanitation at the plant, including a condensation leak over a food production area.  The health department is trying to determine who the now-recalled produce was sold to and whether it was used in other products."  The FDA is also involved in the investigation and may decide to expand the recall.

SanGar president, Kenneth Sanquist, Jr. said that the "state used flawed methods to collect its samples."  Texas health department spokesperson, Carrie Williams, however, stated that the experts who took the samples are well trained and that the agency stands by its analysis and results.

To read the Associated Press story, click here.

Posted: 10/22/2010