State continues to search for source of listeria in Schwebel bread

YOUNGSTOWN

An investigation continues to determine the extent of a bacteria that had Schwebel Baking Co. halt production and voluntarily withdraw certain products from the marketplace in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, New York, Michigan, West Virginia and Kentucky.

The bacteria – listeria monocytogenes – was found during a routine environmental assessment of the Youngstown bakery.

Listeria monocytogenes is a naturally occurring bacteria that can be found in any place where there is an accumulation of moisture. It can cause infections in young children, the elderly and others with weakened immune systems.

It was discovered after a positive test for the bacteria came back, and the Food and Drug Administration was informed Tuesday, said Ashley McDonald, public relations officer for the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Consumers can identify the products affected by the code located near the bottom of the best-buy date.

A company release said, “Anyone who has products in their possession that are part of the voluntary withdrawal should not consume them and should discard them or return them to where they were purchased.”

Read more about the problem and how you should respond in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.