Recalls - Botulism

[Mimi]

Recall -- State / Local Press Release

 

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and safety alerts from states as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA is not responsible for the content of these notices.

HEALTH Advises Consumers Not to Eat Certain Olives Sold at Ocean State Job Lot Stores

Contact:
Consumer
(401) 295-2672, Option 6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 2, 2013 - The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) advises consumers not to eat Mediterranean Olives: Calcidica Sweet (Brand: Bel Frantoio) sold at any Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) stores. OSJL is voluntarily recalling the product after HEALTH staff discovered that these products were not handled appropriately to prevent production of the toxin that causes botulism.

Mediterranean Olives: Calcidica Sweet, produced by Bel Frantoio and packaged in 34-oz. plastic containers, were sold in OSJL stores in New York and throughout the Northeast (Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine). This product is being voluntarily recalled because it is labeled “Keep Refrigerated,” but was sold at room temperature, making it susceptible to contamination with Clostridium botulinum.

Other olive products produced by Bel Frantoio that were sold at Ocean State Job Lot, as well as other brands of olives, do not currently pose a safety issue. This recall applies only to this product sold at Ocean State Job Lot.

This product sold elsewhere, where refrigerated, is safe for consumption.

Ingestion of botulinum toxin from improperly stored foods can lead to serious illness and death.

Anyone who has eaten this product and has experienced abdominal cramps; difficulty breathing, speaking or swallowing; double vision; muscle weakness; muscle aches; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; or fever should contact their healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and treatment. The young, elderly, immune-compromised, and pregnant women are especially susceptible to foodborne illness.

No illnesses associated with this recall have been reported at this time.

Consumers should discard this product or return it the store for a refund. For more information, contact the Ocean State Job Lot Customer Service Center at (401) 295-2672, Option 6.

[Mimi]

Recall -- State / Local Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and safety alerts from states as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA is not responsible for the content of these notices.
 
CDPH Warns Consumers Not to Eat VR Green Farms Jarred Food Products Because of Botulism Risk

Contact
Consumer:
(800) 495-3232

Media:
Anita Gore
(916) 440-7259

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 30, 2014 - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Ron Chapman warned consumers today not to eat VR Green Farms jarred food products because they may have been improperly produced, making them susceptible to contamination with Clostridium botulinum.

Ingestion of botulism toxin from improperly processed jarred and canned foods may lead to serious illness and death. CDPH is coordinating with the US Food and Drug Administration and the Ohio Department of Health in the investigation of two cases of suspected food-borne botulism infections that may be associated with consumption of the firm’s Pine Nut Basil Pesto.

VR Green Farms of San Clemente, California, is voluntarily recalling the following varieties of jarred food products: Pine Nut Basil Pesto, Pickled Farm Mix, Old World Tomato Sauce, Sundried Tomatoes in Olive Oil, Tuscan Grilling Sauce, and Pasta Sauce. These food products were sold under the VR Farms label and packaged in Mason-style glass jars with screw-on metal lids. The product labels do not include any coding or “use by” dates. Photographs can be found on Recalled Product Photos Page. The products were sold at the VR Green Farms stand in San Clemente, California and via the Internet to consumers throughout the United States.

Botulism toxin is odorless and colorless. Consumers who have any of these products or any foods made with these products should discard them immediately. Double bag the cans in plastic bags and place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash. Wear gloves when handling these products or wash your hands with soap and running water.

Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The initial symptoms frequently experienced are double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, and dry or sore throat. Progressive descending paralysis, usually symmetrical, may follow. Infants with botulism appear lethargic, feed poorly, are constipated, have a weak cry and poor muscle tone. CDPH recommends consumers experiencing any ill effects after consuming these products should consult their health care provider. Consumers that observe the product being offered for sale should report the activity to CDPH at (800) 495-3232.

[Mimi]

Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
 
Tullia’s Recalls Sauce Because of Possible Health Risk
 

Contact
Consumer:
509-879-0325
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 3, 2014 - Tullia’s is recalling Italian Meatless Pasta Sauce code 530140. This recall has been initiated because a records review by the Washington State Department of Agriculture revealed that one batch of sauce produced with the 530140 code had a pH level high enough to allow the growth of Clostridium botulinum. If present, this organism can cause botulism, a serious and potentially fatal foodborne illness.

Foodborne botulism is a severe type of food poisoning caused by the ingestion of foods containing the potent neurotoxin formed during growth of the organism. Foodborne botulism can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled

Recalled sauce is packaged in 16 OZ. and 32 OZ. clear glass bottles with white caps. The code can be found on the label and is in blue ink. The only code of Tullia’s Italian Meatless Pasta Sauce recalled is 530140.

The recalled sauce was sold in the following markets in the Spokane area: Rosauer’s; Yoke’s; Egger’s (West Rosewood); Trading Company Stores (Spokane); Main Market; and Albertson’s (Wandermere Mall).

Tullia’s has made the decision to recall this product to ensure the safety of their customers. The company has not been notified of any illness associated with their products.

Consumers who have purchased recalled sauce are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 509-879-0325 during the hours of 3PM to 5PM PST.