More Botulism Beans Recalled by New Era Canning Company

In it’s third recall of beans for botulism contamination, over the weekend New Era Canning Company recalled all cans of green beans and garbanzo beans in #10 cans (large cans containing between 6 and 7 pounds) because they may have been processed under conditions which could have led to botulism contamination. The codes on the affected product begin with the numbers “00249,” or the letters “GREEN” or “GARB”.

On December 21, 171 cases/ 6 cans per case of 6 lbs. 5 oz. GFS Fancy Blue Lake Cut Green Beans, 4 Sieve, lot code 19H7FL, were recalled by New Era Canning Company for botulism risk. On January 9, New Era updated its initial recall to also include the company’s Mexican style chili beans, green beans, and dark red kidney beans for possible botulism contamination.

On December 27, WBIR.com reported that parents of a Knox County private school were being warned to look for signs of botulism illness in their children over the winter break, because Episcopal School of Knoxville had served “New Era” brand green beans in a casserole on December 19, just days before the initial recall was announced. In that article, local health department officials said the recalled beans were distributed to several food service locations in Knox County, as well as a number of other area locations. The article (http://www.wbir.com/news/health/story.aspx?storyid=52852) named a long list of locations to which the botulism beans were distributed, including Perkins Family Restaurant in Dandridge, C&W Drive-in in Etowah, First Baptist Church in Jefferson City, Kingston Springs Café, West Hills Baptist Church in Knoxville, and a list of schools in Greeneville, Knoxville, Morristown and Newport.

According to the CDC, botulism symptoms include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. Infants with botulism appear lethargic, feed poorly, are constipated, and have a weak cry and poor muscle tone.

According to the FDA, any food that may be contaminated should be disposed of carefully. Even tiny amounts of toxins ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the eye or a break in the skin can cause serious illness. Skin contact should be avoided as much as possible, and the hands should be washed immediately after handling the food. Customers who have the product or any foods made with these products should throw them away immediately. Double bag the cans in plastic bags that are tightly closed, then place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home. Restaurants and institutions are encouraged to assure that such products are only placed in locked receptacles which are not accessible to the public.