Texas Department of State Health Services officials have shut down production at a San Antonio produce plant after five people died reportedly from food-borne illnesses which may have come from the plant’s celery.

The five deaths this year included three in Bexar County. They were among 10 people in Bexar, Hidalgo and Travis counties who were afflicted with the same strain of listeria. Of those 10 people, six were linked to chopped celery sold by Sangar Fresh Cut Produce of San Antonio, reports the San Antonio Express-News.

A majority of the sufferers, health officials said, were elderly persons who had other health problems. Nonetheless, food poisoning can cause the death of the very old or very young, whose immunity systems are less strong. Pregnant women also are more at risk.

Sangar officials disputed the findings and claimed their produce was independently inspected and was fit for consumption. State health officials said their investigation, which found unsanitary conditions at the plant, will continue.

That includes tracing the food in question to those who purchased it and contacting them. Anyone who believes they have the celery products is advised to dispose of it or return it to Sangar immediately.

The produce in question was cut celery sticks which were not sold in groceries but rather went to schools, hospitals and restaurants. Cooking the produce would kill the bacteria, but that is not advised by state health officials.

If you believe you have suffered food poisoning, consult a physician. If you have been diagnosed with food poisoning and believe it came from tainted celery, alert a food poisoning attorney or lawyer with Jim S. Adler & Associates.