The California Department of Public health warned consumers on May 24, 2012 not to eat Taste of Roux soups because they may be contaminated with botulinum toxin. The soups may have been improperly produced. This toxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, grows under anaerobic conditions (without oxygen), such as in low-acid canned products. The bacterium is found in soil that vegetables grow in.
Taste of Roux, LLC of Valley Village, California is recalling these products:
- Lentil
- Black Bean
- Tomato
- Carrot Ginger
- Vegetarian Chili
- Detox
- Sold under the Taste of Roux label
- Packaged in quart and pint glass jars with screw-on metal lids
- No coding or “use by” dates
- Sold at:
- Malibu Farmers Market, 23555 Civic Center Way in Malibu, California on Sundays, beginning on November 20, 2011
- Autry Farmers Market, 4700 Western Heritage Way in Los Angeles, California on Saturdays, beginning on May 5, 2012
We have downloaded a PDF of pictures of the affected products.
If you have purchased any of these products, discard them in the trash. Cooking the soup will not make the product safe. Heat does kill the bacteria, but does not inactivate the toxin.
The symptoms of botulism poisoning include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, dry or sore throat, paralysis, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, inability of the neck muscles to support the head, and paralysis of the respiratory muscles. Infants with botulism are lethargic, constipated, with a weak cry and poor muscle tone. If you or anyone you know is experiencing these symptoms, contact a health care provider immediately.
