Mon, 16 Apr 2007 10:06:3
Patricia Shehan - All Headline News Staff Writer
Rockville, MD (AHN) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an "urgent" warning to the public about the risks of potentially contaminated olives sold under several brand names.
Although no illnesses have been reported yet, the risk involved in eating the olives that may be contaminated is potentially very dangerous.
The manufacturer, Charlie Brown di Rutigliano & Figli S.r.l. of Bari Italy began a voluntary recall of their olives when it was discovered that they may be contaminated with the deadly bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism.
These olives are sold under various brand names as follows: Borrelli, Bonta di Puglia, Cento, Corrado's, Dal Raccolto, Flora, Roland and Vantia. These olives have codes that start with the letter "G" and are followed by either three or four numbers.
The olives with the brand names of Cerignola, Nocerella and Castelvetrano in all sizes of cans, glass jars and pouches are affected by this recall.
Consumers should discard the recalled olives or return them to the store where they were purchased, even if they appear to be fresh.
Restaurants and other food service providers who may have used these olives in other food products are also asked to stop using them, discard them, contact their suppliers, and notify the FDA.
Any other food manufacturers who may have used these olives in repackaged forms under different names are also urged to contact the FDA.
Symptoms of botulism can include weakness, dizziness, double vision, troubles with speaking or swallowing, breathing difficulties, abdominal swelling and constipation. Botulism infection is potentially fatal.
Anyone who has consumed these olives and are experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical help and report the illness to the FDA.
For further information to consumers, the manufacturer (Charlie Brown Company) may be directly contacted by phone 011-039-080-7839073 or by e-mail at charliebrownbari@yahoo.com .
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