FDA Warns of Botulism-Tainted Olives

ROCKVILLE, Md., April 13 -- The FDA issued an urgent warning tonight to consumers about the risk of olives potentially contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.

The agency said the olives are made by Charlie Brown di Rutigliano & Figli S.r.l, of Bari, Italy and are being recalled by the manufacturer. The olives are sold under the brand names Borrelli, Bonta di Puglia, Cento, Corrado's, Dal Raccolto, Flora, Roland and Vantia. They have codes that start with the letter "G" and are followed by three or four digits. All sizes of cans, glass jars and pouches of Cerignola, Nocerella and Castelvetrano type olives are affected.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the C. botulinum-tainted olives, the FDA said.

?The olives should not be eaten alone or in other foods, even if they do not appear to be spoiled,? the FDA said.

It cited symptoms of botulism poisoning that include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, trouble with speaking or swallowing, difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation.

Charlie Brown di Rutigliano & Figli S.r.l, initiated a recall of these olives on March 27, the FDA said. The recalled olives had been distributed to wholesalers, which have marketed them nationally to restaurants and retail stores. ?The FDA concluded that additional warnings are needed because the company has not contacted importers with specific instructions on the recall."