Plum Organics has recalled one batch of its 4.22 oz. Apple & Carrot Portable Pouch baby food with the best by date May 21, 2010 and marked with the following universal product code (UPC) #890180001221 located on the bottom of the package.

Plum Organics recalled the baby food due to the risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that produces a toxin that can cause botulism, a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. Consumers should not use these products, even if they appear to be normal, because of the possible health risk. Symptoms of botulism poisoning in humans include general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

The recalled Plum Organics baby food pouches are sold individually at Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us locations nationally.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with this product and no other
Plum Organics products are affected.

"The product did not meet the FDA guidelines for proper acidity level," said Dr. Paul Gerhardt, a Food Science Ph.D. and member of the Plum Organics action team. "Though the risk of illness from this one batch is minimal, Plum Organics is taking the extraordinary step of recalling all Apple & Carrot Baby Food Pouches with best by date May 21, 2010."

"As a mother, the safety and satisfaction of our customers and their children is my highest concern," said Plum Organics Founder Gigi Lee Chang. Due to a mixing error during production, one batch of this product was improperly blended. As a result, it did not meet our company`s standard for quality. We are taking the extra step of recalling all Apple & Carrot Portable Pouches with this date to eliminate any question in the minds of consumers about the safety of our products. Plum Organics was founded on the vision of superior quality and nutritious baby food; we are committed to these values and our consumers."

For a free consultation regarding a botulism lawsuit, please contact Pritzker Olsen Attorneys at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free), email Attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online consultation form.

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A New York company has recalled white herring from China that the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets found to be uneviscerated.

The product of Brooklyn-based S&M (USA) Enterprise Corp. was distributed in New York state in 16-ounce clear plastic bags. The problem was uncovered in a routine inspection.

According to a press release from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, S&M's recall of white herring is based on the threat of botulism. The press release did not say how much of the potentially tainted herring was distributed.

According to the press release:

"The sale of uneviscerated fish is prohibited under New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish have been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning.''

Severe cases of botulism infection can result in paralysis and respiratory failure.

Labels: botulism antitoxin, botulism lawyer

A case of foodborne botulism in Spokane, Washington, has prompted one health official to wonder if the bad economy will lead to a spike in the potentially fatal disease.

There are normally only 25-30 cases of foodborne botulism each year in the United States, but the mortality rate is high if not treated immediately and properly. Like the case in Spokane, most of the illnesses stem from improper home canning of low-acid foods such as green beans and asparagus.

The classic symptoms of foodborne botulism include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. These are all symptoms of the muscle paralysis caused by the bacterial toxin.

In the recent case in Spokane, a nurse in there 30s and two children under the age of 10 became infected with botulism after eating improperly canned green beans from a home garden. The Spokane Spokesman-Review newspaper reported that the woman remains on a ventilator but is recovering. The children suffered milder symptoms.

Epidemiologist Dorothy MacEachern of Spokane Regional Health District told the newspaper that she is concerned that hard economic times will lead to a rise in home canning and a subsequent increase in mistakes that will sicken people with botulism. Treatment of the disease frequently involves use of a special antitoxin.

Labels: botulism antitoxin, botulism lawyer, food safety, home canning botulism