Botulism Food Poisoning Concerns Leads to Baby Food Recall
Plum Organics of Emeryville, California is issuing a baby food recall over California food poisoning concerns, according to a CBS News report. The company is recalling some of its apple and carrot portable pouch baby food over concerns of botulism contamination. The recalled products were sold individually throughout the country in 4.22-ounce pouches at Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us stores. The company apparently determined that the baby food products did not meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guidelines for proper acidity level, thereby leaving it vulnerable to botulism contamination.
Consumers are asked not to use these products even if they do not appear out of the ordinary because there is a serious health risk involved. So far no illnesses have been reported in connection with this baby food. The company says no other Plum Organics food products were affected.
Botulism Infection Can Be Fatal
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The most common source botulism infection is improperly canned or preserved food. The foods most commonly contaminated are canned vegetables, cured pork and ham, smoked or raw fish, and honey or corn syrup. Botulism may also occur if the organism enters open wounds and produces toxin there.
Symptoms usually appear between eight to 36 hours after consuming the contaminated food. In adults, botulism symptoms include abdominal cramps, respiratory failure or difficulty breathing, double vision, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting or weakness/paralysis. Symptoms in infants may include constipation, weakness, loss of muscle tone, weak cry, poor feeding or weak sucking and respiratory distress.
Botulinum neurotoxin is potentially lethal. As little as about one nanogram can be lethal to an individual. All forms of botulism can be fatal. An infection is usually considered a medical emergency. Food-borne botulism can be especially deadly because many people can be poisoned at once by eating even small amounts of the bacteria-contaminated food. A botulism outbreak is a public health emergency that is reportable to the U.S. government.
Liability Issues in Food Poisoning Cases
In this particular case, it is of even more concern because it involves infants who are extremely vulnerable and prone to infection. I'm glad that this California food manufacturing company took steps right away, but it is probably time for them to reassess their manufacturing processes and quality control procedures. Food manufacturers are responsible for any illnesses or personal injury caused to the consumers as a result of food contamination. Restaurants that do not follow proper food processing or storage procedures can also be held liable if their food sickens customers. If you have been a victim of food poisoning as a result of someone else's negligence, please report the incident to your local healthcare agency and consult with an experienced California personal injury lawyer to find out more about your legal rights and options.
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
