Harrisburg, Pa. ? A judge Wednesday blocked any plans to sell Hershey Foods after state officials warned the move could lead to major layoffs in the hometown of the nation’s largest candy maker.

Judge Warren Morgan issued the temporary restraining order a day after hearing arguments in the case.

“We’re disappointed in the decision and we intend to appeal,” said Rick Kelly, a spokesman for the Hershey Trust Co. that controls the company and has ordered executives to seek bids.

Morgan’s order will last only until he rules on whether Atty. Gen. Mike Fisher can review the sale of the candy maker, should that happen.

Analysts say the company could be sold for as much as $15 billion.

Fisher has said a sale could devastate the Hershey area, where about 6,200 people work for the company.

“I am pleased the judge has stopped the sale,” Fisher said. “We need to step back and take a hard look at how a sale of Hershey Foods would affect the Hershey community.”