Botulism Risk: Green & Garbanzo Beans

David

Opinions are my own...
PREMO Member
HEALTH DEPARTMENT WARNS COMMUNITY OF TYPE A BOTULISM RISK IN RECALLED CANNED GREEN BEANS AND GARBANZO BEANS

January 24, 2008

St. Mary’s County Health Department division of Environmental Health is warning local food service facilities about a national food product recall of large sized cans of green beans and garbanzo beans, some of which are known to have been distributed in Maryland.

New Era Canning Company of New Era, Michigan has recalled cans of green beans and garbanzo beans in #10 cans (large cans containing between 6 and 7 pounds) that have specific codes on the can beginning with the numbers “00249,” or the letters “GREEN” or “GARB”.

The affected products may have been processed under conditions which could have led to contamination by Clostridium botulinum bacterium spores, which can cause life-threatening illness or death.

For specific brands and codes of green beans and garbanzo beans subject to this recall, consumers and retailers may access this information at the following link New Era Canning Company (Botulism) Recall .

The Health Department is responding to the Federal Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) request that all states assist in verifying the removal of these products from food service facilities, warehouses and distribution centers. Consumers who have the affected products or who have used them in recipes should throw the cans and food away immediately. Any food that may be contaminated should be disposed of carefully. When disposing of these products, double-bag the cans in plastic bags. Make sure the bags are tightly closed, then place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home. Restaurants and institutions should ensure that such products are only placed in locked receptacles that are not accessible to the public. Additional instructions for safe disposal may be found at Disease Listing, Botulism, General Information | CDC Bacterial, Mycotic Diseases . Anyone with questions may call the FDA at 1-888-SAFEFOOD.

Symptoms of botulism poisoning in humans can begin from 6 hours to 2 weeks after eating food that contains the toxin. Symptoms may include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness that moves progressively down the body, affecting the shoulders first, then descending to the upper arms, lower arms, thighs, and calves. Botulism poisoning also can cause paralysis of the breathing muscles, which can result in death unless assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation) is provided. Individuals who have these symptoms and who may have recently eaten the products under recall or other food products made with them should seek immediate medical attention.

To date, no illnesses have been reported to the FDA; however, consumers should not consume these products, even if they appear to be normal, because of the potential serious risk to health.
 
Top