Botulism Toxin Prompts Canned Green Bean Recall

ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 3 -- For the second time in as many weeks, the FDA has issued a botulism toxin warning; this time the product is 14.5 ounce cans of French cut green beans manufactured by a Wisconsin food processor, sold under a number of labels.

Exposure to botulism toxin can cause serious, life-threatening illness, however, as of Aug. 1, the FDA had received no reports of botulism associated with the suspect green beans.

The manufacturer, Lakeside Foods Inc., of Manitowoc, said it has recalled the green beans from store shelves.

The recall covers green beans sold under these 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, and Thrifty Maid.

The specific codes (found on the top line of the can) involved are: EAA5247, EAA5257, EAA5267, EAA5277, EAB5247, EAB5257, ECA5207, ECA5217, ECA5227, ECA5297, ECB5207, ECB5217, ECB5227, ECB5307.

Consumers who have any of these products or any foods made with these products should dispose of them immediately. If the code on an affected can is missing or unreadable, consumers should throw the product out.

Symptoms of botulism include double vision, blurred vision, slurred speech, dry mouth, and muscle weakness that progresses from the upper body to lower extremities.

Botulism also may cause paralysis of the breathing muscles, which can result in death unless assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation) is provided. Individuals who show these symptoms and who may have recently eaten the product should seek immediate medical attention.

This is the second botulism toxin recall issued by the FDA in recent weeks. On July 19 the agency issued a recall of three brands of hot dog chili sauce made by the Castleberrry Food Company of Augusta, Georgia. Five days later the FDA expanded that recall to include dozens of chili and meat products made by the company including several brands of canned pet food.