ORA/Office of
Enforcement
Division of Compliance Management and Operations
C. botulinum Model Press
Release (with example)
(WordPerfect 6.1 version)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE
COMPANY CONTACT AND PHONE NUMBER
FOOD CO. RECALLS PRODUCT BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK
Company Name of City, State is recalling Quantity and/or type of Product,
because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium
which can cause life-threatening illness or death. 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 other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation
may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate
medical attention.
Product was distributed List of states and areas where the product was
distributed and how it reached consumers (e.g., through retail stores, mail order, direct
delivery).
Specific information on how the product can be identified (e.g., type of container
[plastic/metal/glass], size and appearance of container, product brand name, codes,
flavors, expiration dates, etc.).
Status of the number of and types of related illnesses that have been CONFIRMED to date
(e.g., "No illnesses have been reported to date.")
Brief explanation about what is known about the problem, such as how it was revealed,
and what is known about its source. An example of such a description -- the product was
underprocessed.
Information on what consumers should do with the product and where they can get
additional information (e.g., "consumers who have purchased Brand X are urged to
return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact
the company at 1-800-XXX-XXXX.)
####
(SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE)
XYZ Inc.
123 Smith Lane
Anywhere, MS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE
Sam Smith /555-555-5555
XYZ RECALLS "SNACKIES" BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK
XYZ Inc. of Anywhere, MS, is recalling its 5 ounce packages of
"Snackies" food treats because they have the potential to be contaminated with
Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death.
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 other muscles, abdominal distension
and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should
seek immediate medical attention.
The recalled "Snackies" were distributed nationwide in retail
stores and through mail orders.
The product comes in a 5 ounce, clear plastic package marked with lot #
666666 on the top and with an expiration date of 12/12/99 stamped on the side.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing found that
the product had been underprocessed.
Production of the product has been suspended as FDA and the company
continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.
Consumers who have purchased 5 ounce packages of "Snackies" are
urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions
may contact the company at 1-800-XXX-XXXX.
####
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