Botulism is one of the scariest and most lethal foodborne illness infections. The bacteria Clostridium botulinum produces a toxin as it grows. A tiny, tiny amount of that toxin is enough to kill an adult. So how do you know if you have a botulism infection? Most people think that botulism outbreaks are tied to canned food. It's true that the bacterium grows in an anaerobic environment, which means that there is no air in the container that holds the food. But botulism can also grow in honey, which is why babies under the age of 1 should never be given honey. And a deadly botulism outbreak linked to nacho cheese sauce served at Valley Oak and Fuel in Walnut Grove, California in May, 2017 sickened 10 people and killed one person. The bacteria and the toxin do not change how the … [Read more...]
Whole Capelin Fish Pet Treats Recalled For Possible Botulism
IcelandicPlus LLC is voluntarily recalling Whole Capelin Fish Pet Treats for possible botulism contamination because the product exceeds FDA size restrictions for uneviscerated fish. This could use severe illness or death in both animals eating the treats and the people who handle them. The FDA regulations are based on the fact that that salt-cured, dried, or uneviscerated fish larger than 5 inches have been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning in people between 1981 and 1987 and again in 1991. No reports of illness of pets or people have been received to date in connection w with the problem. The Whole Capelin Fish Pet Treats have been sold throughout the country in independent pet specialty stores. The product is packed in a clear plastic 1.5 or 2.5 ounce plastic bag or a … [Read more...]
Cielo Glamping Maritime Clams Recalled in Canada For Possible Botulism
Cielo Glamping Maritime clams are being recalled in New Brunswick, Canada because they may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum bacteria. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. The recalled products were sold from Cielo Glamping Maritime, located at 232 Chemin des Huîtres, in Haut-Shippigan New Brunswick. They are bottled clams, with no label, that were sold in 500 ml and 1 liter glass jars with a metal lid. There is no UPC number on the product. Foods contaminated with the Clostridium botulinum toxin will not look, smell, or taste spoiled, and the texture is not affected. A tiny amount of this toxin can make you very sick and can kill. Symptoms of botulism poisoning in adults can include facial paralysis, loss of expression, … [Read more...]
Smoked Alaska Silver Salmon Recalled For Possible Botulism
Smoked Alaska Seafoods of Wasilla, Alaska is recalling all jars and cans of Smoked Silver Salmon because it may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum bacteria. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue. The Smoked Silver Salmon is sold in 6.5 ounce containers. It has a production code of AL81111133 on the bottom of the jar or can. The company produces this product in flexible retortable pouches, glass jars, and black two piece metal cans. The flexible retortable pouches of this product are not affected by this recall. It was sold throughout the state of Alaska, mostly in gift sores in the Anchorage and Fairbanks area. The recall was started as a result of an independent audit paid for by Smoked Alaska Seafoods. They found that the recalled lot didn't … [Read more...]
Betty’s King Sauce Recalled in Vancouver, BC for Possible Botulism
Vancouver Coastal Health is issuing a public safety advisory and recall for Betty's King Sauce, for possible botulism contamination. The sauce is prepared out of a home in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. The product is considered unsafe because it has the potential to grow Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which produce a toxin that can be deadly if ingested. Sales have been online from various social media accounts, including Instagram and Facebook, and through a public website. The product has been sold since 2014. Consumers are advised to discard the sauce. Inspectors found that the product was being made in a private home, which is not an approved and inspected facility. Ingredients and the processing method could allow for the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Clostridium … [Read more...]
Kraft Heinz Recalls Cheese Dip for Possible Botulism Risk
Kraft Heinz is recalling one flavor of their cheese dip for possible botulism risk, according to news sources. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue. The Taco Bell Salsa Con Queso is showing signs of separation, which can lead to a health hazard. About 7,000 cases of the cheese dip are being recalled. The recalled product is Taco Bell Salsa Con Queso Mild Cheese Dip in 15 ounce glass jars. The "best when used by" dates on that individual product are 27 DEC 2018 and 23 JAN 2019. The UPC number is 021000024490. The recalled cases have UPC number 021000024490 with best by dates December 27, 2018 and January 23, 2018; and UPC number 21000066900 with best by dates October 31, 2018, November 1, 2018, December 26, 2018 December 27, 2018 and January 23, 2019. … [Read more...]
Smoked Fish Products Sold from Four Seasons Marketplace in Canada Recalled for Botulism
The food recall warning in Canada for smoked fish products recalled for possible botulism contamination and sold at Four Seasons Marketplace has been updated. More products have been added to this recall. No illnesses are reported in connection with this problem. The recalled products were sold at Four Seasons Marketplace at 4099 Erin Mills Parkway in Mississauga, Ontario. All codes sold refrigerated from this retail location are recalled. They include Nanuk Smoked Pacific Salmon - Coho Salmon in 140 gram packages, with UPC number 0 57841 00515 2. Also recalled is BOS Mackerel Fillets - Naturally Smoked, in variable package sizes, with UPC numbers that start with 0204004. BOS Atlantic Salmon - Naturally Smoked in 170 gram packages is recalled, with UPC number 8 33417 00040 6, as is BOS … [Read more...]
Tenth Recall for Botulism Issued for Imperial Caviar and VIP Caviar Roe in Canada
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued its ninth update for the recall of Imperial Caviar & Seafood and VIP Caviar Club brand roe for possible botulism contamination. The first recall was posted on November 25, 2017. More products are now recalled. They include VIP Caviar Club Salmon Roe in 50 gram packages with UPC number 1 86866 90024 8; VIP Caviar Club Salmon Roe in 100 gram packages with UPC number 1 86866 90023 1, Imperial Caviar & Seafood Salmon Roe in 50 gram packages with UPC number 1 86866 90024 8; Imperial Caviar & Seafood Salmon Roe in 100 gram packages with UPC number 1 86866 90023 1; and Outer package: Imperial Caviar & Seafood/Inner package: VIP Caviar Club Salmon Roe in 50 gram packages, with outer package UPC number 1 86866 00010 8. All … [Read more...]
Bush’s Baked Beans Recalled for Defective Side Seams
Bush Brothers & Company has issued a recall for its “BROWN SUGAR HICKORY BAKED BEANS,” “COUNTRY STYLE BAKED BEANS,” and “ORIGINAL BAKED BEANS.” According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the cans these baked beans were packaged in may have defective side seams that could allow product contamination by harmful bacteria. The three varieties of Bush’s baked beans affected by the recall were packaged in 28-ounce cans and shipped to grocery stores nationwide. The recalled products are stamped with the following UPC and lot codes: “BUSH’S BEST® BROWN SUGAR HICKORY BAKED BEANS” (Best By date: Jun 2019): the UPC code is 0 39400 01977 0; the lot codes are 6097S GF and 6097P GF. “BUSH’S BEST COUNTRY STYLE BAKED BEANS” (Best By date: Jun 2019): the UPC code is 0 39400 … [Read more...]
Tips to Prevent Botulism Poisoning in Home Canned Goods
With harvest season upon us, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued important information, through Foodsafety.gov, about the dangers of botulism and the steps home canners should take to prevent the proliferation of toxins in their canned goods. Armed with this knowledge, home cooks will be able to ensure that the foods they put away for the winter months are safe for consumption. Botulism is an illness caused by the soil-based Clostridium botulinum germ. When vegetables containing the germ are improperly canned, it can grow and create a tasteless, odorless toxin that can cause deadly nerve damage and paralysis if consumed. Low-acid vegetables with a pH level greater than 4.6 are especially likely to cause botulism, since they aren’t acidic enough to … [Read more...]
