A Tolleson slaughtering and meatpacking business has been accused of operating without a license and selling meat that has tested positive for salmonella bacteria. Authorities said that they have obtained a court order forcing the southwest Valley company to close its doors.

Animals have been slaughtered in an open outdoor facility at the meat business and the carcasses left to hang for hours in an unrefrigerated environment, exposed to dust and insects, authorities said.

Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas said the case involves "food and sanitary conditions that pose a danger to the public."

Criminal charges have been filed against the operator, Jose Merced Serrato-Maciel, 46. He has been charged with failure to obtain a slaughtering license, unlicensed sale of meat and failure to comply with the county health code, all misdemeanors. His business does not have a formal name.