HHS NEWS

P96-14                            Food and Drug Administration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE             Bradford Stone (301) 443-3285
Sept. 9, 1996


     FDA WARNS AGAINST CONSUMING CERTAIN ITALIAN MASCARPONE CREAM
         CHEESE BECAUSE OF POTENTIAL SERIOUS BOTULISM RISK

     FDA is warning the public not to consume imported mascarpone
cream cheese sold under the Giglio, Parmalat and Sol di Valle
brand names because it may be contaminated with Clostridium
botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness
or death.  Consumers are warned not to use the product for any
purpose even if it does not look or smell spoiled.
     Infection with botulinum can result in the following
symptoms: 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.
     FDA was notified by the Italian Ministry of Health that
these brands of mascarpone were manufactured by the Giglio
factory of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and have been linked to one
death and at least three other cases of botulism in that country.
As a result, these products are being recalled in Italy.
     Italian authorities alerted FDA that some of the suspect
product may have been exported to the U.S., and FDA is working
with the company and importers to track down the volume and
location of any imported product.
     The suspect product comes in 500 gram (approximately 17.5
ounce) containers.  Mascarpone is commonly used in tiramisu, an
Italian dessert, and in other dishes made with soft cheeses.
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