Takizawa Ham Co. said Wednesday it has suspended operations for seven days at its factory in Tochigi Prefecture in connection with a recent outbreak of food-poisoning caused by the O-157 strain of E. coli bacteria.
The move follows an order to this effect issued Tuesday by the Tochigi Prefectural Government, Takizawa officials said.
After employees arrived for work at the factory at around 8 a.m., they were informed of the details surrounding the food poisoning outbreak and the administrative penalty imposed on the firm in its wake. The company, which is based in Tochigi, told its part-time employees to return home and await further notice.
A 31-year-old male employee said he feels sorry for those who have been made ill by the bacteria.