Health Canada Issues Botulism Warning

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Friday, December 15, 2000

Health Canada issues botulism warning

TORONTO (CP) -- Health officials warned consumers Friday not to buy or use canned organic pinto and red kidney beans marketed under the label Green House.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said the products may contain the bacteria that causes botulism, a life-threatening form of food poisoning.

The suspect products were sold in 398 ml cans and are identifiable by codes ending with "S356" on one end of the can. They have been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Yukon.

The warning relates to these products sold under the Green House brand: organic pinto beans, UPC code 7 74314 88845 5; organic red kidney beans, UPC code 7 74314 88857 8.

The distributor has voluntarily recalled the products.

The health inspection agency warned that food contaminated with C. botulinum bacteria -- which causes botulism -- may not look or smell spoiled. Consumers should dispose of any of these products immediately or return them to the point of purchase for a refund.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products to date.

The first signs of botulism are nausea and vomiting, which usually appear within six hours after contaminated food is eaten. Blurred or double vision is common.

The poisoned person becomes tired and may complain of headache and dizziness and may experiencing difficulty in swallowing and speaking. About half the deaths from botulism result from paralysis of the respiratory muscles.

Victims of botulism can recover fully if treated quickly with antitoxins.

Consumers seeking more information can call Health Canada at 1-800-442-2342. For consumers in Quebec, the number is 1-800-561-3350.

-- Rachel Gibson (rgibson@hotmail.com), December 15, 2000


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