New York – The state agriculture department has shut down a troubled kosher cheese plant near New York’s northern border.

The action Friday was based on inspection of the Ahava plant and samples of its products, which showed excessive levels of bacteria. State inspectors have seized more than 25,000 pounds of cheese found unfit for human consumption.

Ahava only sold its products in bulk. State officials said they were trying to determine if any retail outlets had received unsafe Ahava products.

Earlier this month, the city of Ogdensburg started seeking potential buyers for the kosher cheese operation because the company reportedly owes the city $90,000 in back rent and more than $600,000 in delinquent utility payments. The city had notified the company it would be evicted March 10th if the bills weren’t paid. The company reponded that it wouldn’t contest the lease termination.

Ahava filed for bankruptcy protection last year but its petition was rejected.

(Source: News 10)