FDA has announced a bean salad recall due to possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism. The manufacturer, Walker's Food Products Company of North Kansas City, Missouri, recalled its 16oz. packages of Four Bean Salad packaged under the Kay’s Gourmet brand name and 5-lb. and 10-lb. containers of Four Bean Salad packaged under the Walker’s Food Products Co. brand name. The containers are round clear plastic packages, which have an expiration date stamped on the bottom surface. The expiration dates subject to recall are 12/23/07 thru 04/5/08.

Walker's Food Products became aware of the problem after being notified by another company they had received beans that had been recalled due to being potentially contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. The manufacturer of the beans and FDA are continuing to investigate the source of this problem.

The recalled Four Bean Salad was distributed to distributors in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. It may have been repackaged and sold in retail stores. It may also have been served at restaurants.

Consumers are warned not to use the product, even if it does not look or smell spoiled. Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of muscles, abdominal distension, and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

Labels: bean recall, botulism, clostridium botulinum