A USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service letter that partially shut down production at North Carolina-based Neese’s Country Sausage cited positive tests for listeria among the causes.
Listeria monocytogenes is a rare but serious foodborne bacteria. It’s a public health concern especially to high-risk populations including pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
Positive tests for listeria were found on Sept. 3 on a stainless steel table in two other areas described as the “bottom boot” and “pudding line floor under sink.”…