Botulism Risk From Canned French Cut Green Beans
FDA is warning consumers not to eat certain brands of French Cut Green Beans in 14.5 ounce cans manufactured by Lakeside Foods Inc, of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The product may not have been processed adequately to eliminate the potential for botulism toxin. This toxin is very potent, and botulism is a life-threatening illness. As of August 1, 2007, FDA had not received reports of illnesses related to the product.
Recalled Products
Lakeside Foods has informed FDA that it is voluntarily recalling all of the potentially contaminated products. The affected Lakeside cut green beans are sold nationwide under the following labels:
- Albertson's
- Happy Harvest
- Best Choice
- Food Club
- Bogopa
- Valu Time
- Hill Country Fare
- HEB
- Laura Lynn
- Kroger
- No Name
- North Pride
- Shop N Save
- Shoppers Valu
- Schnucks
- Cub Foods
- Dierbergs
- Flavorite
- IGA
- Best Choice
- Thrifty Maid
The specific codes (top line of can code) involved are
- EAA5247
- EAA5257
- EAA5267
- EAA5277
- EAB5247
- EAB5257
- ECA5207
- ECA5217
- ECA5227
- ECA5297
- ECB5207
- ECB5217
- ECB5227
- ECB5307
Botulism Symptoms
- Can begin from 6 hours to 2 weeks after eating food that contains the toxin.
- May include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and dry mouth.
- May also include muscle weakness that moves progressively down the body, affecting the shoulders first, then descending to the upper arms, lower arms, thighs, and calves.
- May cause paralysis of the breathing muscles, which can result in death unless assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation) is provided.
Steps for Consumers
- Seek immediate medical attention if you may have recently eaten any of the recalled products and you experience symptoms.
- Dispose of these products or any foods made with these products immediately.
- Throw the product out if the code on an affected can is missing or unreadable.
- Call Lakeside Foods at 800-466-3834 ext. 4090 if you have questions or concerns.
Date Posted: August 3, 2007
