According to a post on the Facebook page of Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, cases of botulism food poisoning associated with igunaq, which is aged walrus meat, have been reported in Inukjuak, Canada. The government was told of suspected cases on March 22, 2021. The cases are associated with igunaq that was consumed during two feasts that were held on March 18 and March 19, 2021. More than 27 people may have been exposed at those gatherings and afterward from food that may have been eaten at home. There may still be contaminated aged walrus meat in the community. That meat should be destroyed immediately. Before eating any walrus meat, people should verify where it came from and make sure that it isn't from the same source as that served and eaten at those … [Read more...]
Kolapore Springs Smoked Trout Recalled For Possible Botulism
North Shore Specialty Foods is recalling Kolapore Springs smoked trout from the marketplace because it could permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which can produce the toxin botulism. No illnesses have been reported to the company in connection with the consumption of this product. The recalled products include Kolapore Springs Smoked Trout, sold in variable size packages. The UPC number printed on the label is 6 27987 16383 4. All best before dates are recalled, up to and including 2021 MR 31. Also recalled is Kolapore Springs Smoked Trout, Peppercorn, also sold in variable size packages. The UPC number printed on that product is 6 27987 16383 4. All best before dates up to and including 2021 MR 31 are included in this recall. These products were sold in Ontario at the … [Read more...]
Clover Leaf Sardines Recalled For Possible Botulism Contamination
Clover Leaf Seafoods in Canada is recalling Clover Leaf Sardines Boneless Fillets in two flavors because they may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which produce the toxin botulism. A tiny amount of that toxin can kill an adult. No illnesses have been reported to the company to date in connection with this issue. The recalled products are Clover Leaf Sardines Boneless Fillets - Garlic & Chive in Oil, packaged in 106 gram containers. The UPC number on the product is 0 61362 46008 6, and the codes are 0170CBXP 2025 JN 18 and 0204CBXP 2025 JL 22. Also recalled is Clover Leaf Sardines Boneless Fillets - Smoked Jalapeño in Oil, packaged in 106 gram containers. The UPC number on that product is 0 61362 46009 3, and the codes on the package are 0171CBXP 2025 JN … [Read more...]
Possible Botulism Treatment Breakthrough Reverses Paralysis
A possible botulism treatment breakthrough that reverses paralysis in mice has been announced by scientists at Boston's Children's Hospital. Botulism food poisoning can be deadly. It is caused by the botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum spores. The spores grow in a low acid, anaerobic environment (without oxygen) such as in improperly canned foods. A tiny amount of the toxin can kill an adult human being. The spores are found in soil, dust, and in foods such as honey. Early treatment is key in recovery, since once paralysis starts, it cannot be reversed. That is what makes this new treatment so exciting. Min Dong, Ph.D., a researcher in the Boston Children's Hospital Department of Urology and corresponding author of the paper said in a statement, "Currently, there … [Read more...]
Belle Grove Whole Mushrooms Recalled For Possible Botulism
Monaghan Mushrooms Ltd. in Ontario, Canada is recalling Belle Grove Whole Mushrooms for possible botulism contamination. The mushrooms may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum bacteria. No illnesses have been reported to the company to date in connection with this issue. The recalled product is Belle Grove Whole White Mushrooms sold in 227 gram packages. The UPC number printed on the label is 8 87462 00000 3, and the code on the product is Best Before 15 Jan. The recall was triggered by the company. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may trigger the recall of more food products. If this happens, the public will be notified through updated food recall warnings at the CFIA web site. The government is making sure that the … [Read more...]
Five Botulism Illnesses in Colorado Prompt Warnings and Advice
Five botulism illnesses in Colorado are prompting public health officials to warn the public about potentially hazardous foods and to give advice. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is investigating cases of confirmed or suspected botulism since September. Four of the cases are confirmed and one is still under investigation. The patients are either hospitalized or recovering. Three of the cases were unrelated, since the investigators couldn't find a common food source. The last two confirmed cases were probably the result of an improperly canned shared food made in the same household. Botulism doesn't spread from person to person. People get sick when they eat food, usually canned food that is not properly made, that is contaminated with the toxin. The … [Read more...]
Tips For Avoiding Botulism When Canning Foods at Home
Now that the first frost has occurred, the growing season is over in the upper Midwest. Many people are canning foods from their garden and those items purchased at farmers' markets. But you need to know these tips for avoiding botulism when canning foods at home. Canning means you are enclosing food in an anaerobic environment: there is little to no air inside the jars. When combined with low acid foods, such as asparagus, green beans, beets, corn, potatoes, some kinds of tomatoes, figs, meats, fish, and seafood, this creates the perfect environment for the growth of Clostridium botulinum spores. Like most pathogens and the toxins they produce, botulism toxin will not change the taste, appearance, texture, or aroma of food. And it takes just a tiny amount to cause paralysis and … [Read more...]
Consumers Warned About Possible Botulism in Health is Wealth Products
The Rhode Island Department of Health is warning consumers about possible botulism in Health is Wealth products. These products were sold from the Health is Wealth Nutrition Center which is located at 1674 Cranston Street in Cranston, Rhode Island. The products include juices, smoothies, and sea moss gel. There is potential for processing, storage, and control issues with these products. No illnesses have been reported to date to the company or officials to date in connection with this issue. There may be botulism in Health is Wealth Sea Moss Drink. This juice is sold in 12 ounce and 16 ounce containers. It comes in several flavors, including but not limited to: Blackberry, Fruit Punch, Soursop Guanabana, Strawberry, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Mango, Guava Guayaba, and Tamarind. … [Read more...]
Érablière Godbout Sauce Spaghetti Recalled For Possible Botulism
Érablière Godbout is recalling Érablière Godbout Sauce Spaghetti from the marketplace because it may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum, a pathogen that produces the toxin botulism. The sauce was sold in Quebec at the retail level. No illnesses have been reported to the company to date in connection with this recalled product. The recalled product is Érablière Godbout Sauce Spaghetti that is packed in 500 mL jars. There is no UPC number on the label. All units where the label doesn't mention "Keep Refrigerated" are recalled. Also, Érablière Godbout Sauce Spaghetti that is packaged in 1 liter glass jars is recalled. There is no UPC number printed on the package. And all units where the label does not mention "Keep Refrigerated" are recalled. This recall was triggered by … [Read more...]