Health officials halt production at three firms over listeria

Public health officials have stopped three companies from producing foodstuffs, after traces of the bacteria listeria were found in their products. The firms, all based in Moravia, will not be able to resume production until they prove their products are safe and recall their foods from distribution.

Traces of listeria were found in three adults and a baby who died in November. Seventeen people were also reported ill with the bacteria, which officials said was a high number for the time of year.