Jarred pesto isn't a common source of botulism but in 2014 it was the source of a botulism outbreak that sickened two people. The outbreak marked the only time pesto was documented as a source of a botulism outbreak in the U.S. and the first time in 15 years that it was the source of a botulism outbreak in other countries. The pesto had been purchased from a farm stand in San Clemente, California. Lab testing found botulinum toxin in leftovers of pasta with pesto. During an investigation of the company's facility, health officials found improper acidification and pressurization practices and that the company lacked the proper license to sell canned products. Botulism can cause life-threatening illness or death. Food that is contaminated with botulism may not smell or look spoiled. … [Read more...]
FDA Offers Safety Tips for Canned Food Month
It's National Canned Food Month and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has compiled some tips to help consumers enjoy it safely. Some grocery stores and restaurants that aren't able to sell or use canned products before their "sell by" dates donate them to charities. Sometimes canned foods near or past their expiration dates are also donated. These products sometimes end up at surplus grocery stores, food-salvage stores, or other bargain outlets. These foods aren't necessarily unsafe, according to the FDA, what matters even more than the date is how the food was handled. Never buy cans that are swollen, have a bulging top or are leaking. This can be a sign that the bacteria that causes botulism is present. Never buy a can that is dented along the seams that run along the … [Read more...]
Jafflz Recalled in Utah for Possible Botulism Risk
Du Monde Gourmet of Park City, UT is recalling approximately 235 pounds of ready-to-eat Jafflz pocket sandwich products because they may contain Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus, and/or Clostridium botulinum. These bacteria are associated with temperature abuse. At the time of the recall there had been no confirmed reports of illness but consumers who have purchased these products should not eat them as they can cause serious illness. The recalled products were shipped to retail locations in Utah and have the code “EST. 48106” inside the USDA mark of inspection. They include: 24-count cases containing 4-6 pieces of “Jafflz Retro Pocket Sandwiches Pasghetti Jaffles with Italian Meat Sauce;" 24-count cases “Jafflz retro pocket Sandwiches Classic Jaffles with Bacon, Egg and … [Read more...]
Foods Recalled in Michigan for Possible Botulism
Several types of canned foods are being recalled in Michigan for possible botulism contamination. Lock Stock and Barrel Ranch products, sold at the store at 20420 State Street in Onaway, Michigan were manufactured without using controls for the safe production of processed foods, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. These foods were also sold at different farmers markets in Michigan, at Rogers City, Posen, Indian River, and Gaylord. The recalled products include Beef Vegetable Soup, Tomato Basil Soup, Bacon Cauliflower Soup, Mama Splans Medium Salsa, Mama Splans Hot Salsa, Sweet Salsa, Tomatillo Salsa, Mango Salsa, Peach Salsa, Dilly Beans, Pickled Beets, Pickled Carrots, Pickled Mushrooms, Pickled Asparagus, Pickled Cauliflower, Pickled Garlic, … [Read more...]
Farmer Creek Albacore Tuna Recalled for Botulism Risk
Farmer Creek of Cloverdale, OR is recalling canned albacore tuna with any codes starting with "OC" because they have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that causes botulism, a life-threatening illness. Consumers who have purchased these products should not each them. Food that is contaminated with Clostridium botulinum many not not look or smell spoiled. Botulism, is a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. Symptoms includes general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing, difficulty breathing, abdominal bloating and constipation. Anyone experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention. At the time of the recall there had been no reports of illness. The recalled products were packaged … [Read more...]
The Spot Recalls All Canned Seafood for Botulism Risk
The Spot of Oregon is recalling all canned salmon and tuna with any codes that begin with "OC" because they may be contaminated with botulism toxin. The products were produced by Skipanon, which has triggered the secondary recall of eight other brands because the cans may have been under processed. No illnesses have been reported to date. The recalled products include Spot-On Chinook Salmon in 6 ounce cans, Spot-On Tuna in 8 ounce cans, Spot-On Tuna No Salt in 8 ounce cans, Spot-On Garlic Tuna in 8 ounce cans, Spot-On Jalapeño Tuna in 8 ounce cans, and Spot-On Smoked Tuna in 8 ounce cans. There are no best by dates on the cans. The last distribution date for these products was in September 2015. They were sold from The Spot retail store in Oregon. The symptoms of botulism poisoning … [Read more...]
Bornstein Seafood Recalls Products for Possible Botulism
Another secondary recall of canned seafood for possible botulism contamination has been issued. Bornstein Seafoods Inc. of Oregon is recalling only canned salmon, sardines, sturgeon, and tuna with any code starting with "OC." No reports of illness have been received to date. The products were distributed to retail and internet customers nationwide from the company's website. The last date of distribution of these recalled products was September 2015. The code dates for recall start with "OC." The code can be found on the bottom or top of the can. The cans have net weights from 5.5 to 6 ounces. You can see pictures of product labels at the FDA web site. The recalled products are Krooke's Shanghaied Salmon with no UPC number, and Logger's Choice Fancy Pink Salmon with UPC number 6 … [Read more...]
Skipanon Canned Seafood Recalled for Botulism Risk
Skipanon Brand Seafoods of Warrenton, Oregon is recalling all of its canned seafood products for botulism risk. Consumers who have purchased these products should not eat them as botulism can cause serious illness or death. No illnesses were reported at the time of the recall. Foods contaminated with the Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that causes botulism, may not look or smell spoiled. But it can cause life-threatening illness. Symptoms of botulism include 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. Products were distributed to wholesalers and … [Read more...]
Smoked Herring Recalled for Possible Botulism
The New York Department of Agriculture and Markets is recalling P. East Trading Corporation Salted Smoked Split Herring because the product was uneviscerated. This can increase the risk of botulism spores growing in that product. The recalled Salted Smoked Split Herring was sold in New York and New Jersey in 18 pound wooden boxes. This product was imported from Canada. It was sampled during a routine inspection, and found to be improperly processed. Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be in the viscera if fish than in any other portions. If you purchased this product, do not eat it. Discard in a sealed container or return to the place of purchase for a refund. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the consumption of this product. The symptoms of … [Read more...]
Ohio Church Potluck Botulism Outbreak Nation’s Largest in 40 Years
A botulism outbreak that sickened 29 people who attended a church potluck in Ohio is the largest botulism outbreak to strike the U.S. in 40 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One person died as a result of their illness. Botulism is caused by a nerve toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum which is found in soil and dust. Symptoms include: double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, muscle weakness, descending paralysis, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. Most patients described onset of symptoms two days after attending a potluck at Cross Pointe Free Will Baptist Church. Home-canned potatoes in potato salad were the likely source of the outbreak. … [Read more...]
