On December 21, 2007, New Era, Michigan-based New Era Canning Company recalled 171 cases (6 cans per case) of 6 lbs., 5 oz. “GFS Fancy Blue Lake Cut Green Beans, 4 Sieve, lot code 19H7FL,” due to possible botulism contamination. Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that may cause botulism if contaminated foods are consumed.

Common symptoms of botulism include:

• general weakness,
• double vision,
• difficulty speaking or swallowing,
• labored breathing,
• muscle weakness, and
• constipation.

As botulism can be fatal, experts recommend that people experiencing these symptoms receive immediate medical attention. Most botulism symptoms begin to manifest after 12 to 24 hours.

The cases of GFS Fancy Blue Lake Cut Green Beans affected in the recall were distributed to foodservice locations in Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, India, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, and sold through New Era Canning?s GFS Marketplace stores in Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

The GFS Fancy Blue Lake Cut Green Beans are packaged in 6 lbs. 5oz. cans. They are sold under the GFS Brand (GFS reorder #118737; UPC 93901 11873). A lot code of 19H7FL can be found printed on the end of the can.

The potential botulism contamination was discovered through testing by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to the FDA, recalled cans of GFS Fancy Blue Lake Cut Green Beans should be disposed of carefully. Tiny amounts of the toxin, if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through a cut or the eye may result in botulism. The FDA recommends avoiding all skin contact and to wash the hands immediately after handling.

The FDA also recommends that customers should not return the product, and that the product should be disposed of immediately. Instructions for safe disposal can be found at the CDC’s Clostridium botulinum page. If consumers of this product believe they may be experiencing symptoms of botulism infection and are still in possession of leftover product, it is suggested that any remaining product be double-sealed in plastic bags and kept in a cool dry place for future inspection.

The FDA may be contacted at 1-888-SAFEFOOD.

Concerned customers may contact New Era Canning at 1-800-282-9007, ext. 111.

Source: ?New Era Canning Company Recalls Canned GFS Fancy Blue Lake Cut Green Beans Because of Possible Health Risk,? FDA.gov, December 21, 2007.