A recall of two olive oil products due to the potential for them to be contaminated with botulism has been issued the second-highest risk classification by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Hale inc., based in Kentucky, issued a voluntary recall for the infused olive oil products on September 9 as they were manufactured without an approved process filed, the FDA said. The recall was later issued a Class II risk classification on December 8.
Newsweek contacted Hale Inc. by email for comment outside of regular working hours.
Why It Matters
A Class II risk classification, one of three, refers to a situation in which the “use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote,” according to the FDA.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns that the bacterium Clostridium botulinum can create a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves, which can cause breathing problems, muscle paralysis, and even death in some cases.
What To Know
The products impacted by the recall are the following:
Lotsa Pasta International Food Shop Roasted Garlic Infused Olive Oil – 54 bottles – UPC code: 736211448415Lotsa Pasta International Food Shop Fresh Basil Infused Olive Oil – 54 bottles – UPC code: 736211448316
The affected bottles were distributed only in Kentucky, according to the FDA.
As of December 8, the FDA had reported no cases of illness in connection with the consumption of the recalled products.
What People Are Saying
The CDC says: “Foodborne botulism can happen by eating foods that have been contaminated with botulinum toxin. Common sources of foodborne botulism are homemade foods that have been improperly canned, preserved, or fermented. Though uncommon, store-bought foods also can be contaminated with botulinum toxin.”
It adds: “The conditions in which the spores can grow and make toxin are: low-oxygen or no oxygen (anaerobic) environment; low acid; low sugar; low salt; a certain temperature range; a certain amount of water.”
The World Health Organization says on its website: “Foodborne botulism is a serious, potentially fatal disease. However, it is relatively rare. It is an intoxication usually caused by ingestion of potent neurotoxins, the botulinum toxins, formed in contaminated foods. Person to person transmission of botulism does not occur.”
What Happens Next
This recall is ongoing, according to the FDA.
Consumers who purchased the affected products should not consume them.
Dining and Cooking