The U.S. Department of Justice wants a Michigan producer of Italian cheeses to quit making and selling products until it comes into full compliance with food safety laws.

According to a news release from the department’s Civil Division, the federal complaint alleges S. Serra Cheese Company’s cheeses are manufactured in unsanitary conditions, and that the company’s procedures are inadequate to ensure the safety of its products. 

Company representatives, including co-owner Fina Serra, when contacted by telephone Wednesday declined to discuss the civil complaint filed Aug. 8 in federal court in the Eastern District of Michigan against the company and her and co-owner Stefano Serra. The complaint hopes the court will prevent the distribution of “adulterated” cheese.

According to the complaint, “the company repeatedly failed to reduce the risk of contamination from two potentially dangerous types of bacteria: Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Listeria innocua (L. innocua).”

S. Serra Cheese Company manufactures and distributes several varieties of Italian cheeses, such as ricotta, provolone, and mozzarella available at groceries and restaurants.