February 19, 2007
Already trying to trace the source of salmonella poisoning in peanut butter, the Food and Drug Administration is now warning consumers not to use certain jars of "Earth's Best Organic 2 Apple Peach Barley Wholesome Breakfast" baby food.
The agency says there is the risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause botulism, a life-threatening illness.
Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.
The affected product was sold in single individual jars and in variety packs, which contain four jars of the apple peach barley in the pack along with other varieties. The food is part of the firm's "2nd Vegetables, Fruits and Blends" line intended for babies 6 months and older.
The food was distributed through retail stores and sold through the Earth's Best website.
If consumers have any of the specified jars in their home, they should not use it and destroy it immediately. No illnesses have been reported to FDA or the manufacturer so far.
Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, usually causes illness within 18-36 hours of exposure.
Initial indication of illness in infants is decreased frequency or absence of stools. Other signs and symptoms noted are poor feeding, weak suck, lethargy, listlessness, weak cry, decreased body tone, and diminished overall movement.
