October 8, 2006
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has been requested to actively support a recent CFIA recall of Carrot Juice infected with botulinum toxin. The stepped up involvement is a result of the concern that smaller or independent stores who may buy from cash-and-carry distributors may not have received the recall notice. It is feared that many who purchased the recalled products plan to consume the juice during Thanksgiving celebrations.
- "Bolthouse Farms 100% Carrot Juice", sold in both 1 litre and 450 milliliter sizes
- "Earthbound Farm Organic Carrot Juice", sold in both 1 litre and 450 milliliter sizes
- “President’s Choice Organics 100% Pure Carrot Juice" sold in both 1 liter and 450 milliliter sizes.
Products bearing "BEST BY" OR BEST IF USED BY "BIUB" dates of 06NO11 (NOV 11 2006) or earlier are affected.
The manufacturer, Wm. Bolthouse Farms Inc., Bakersfield, California voluntarily recalled the affected brands of carrot juice. These products have been distributed across Canada. There is evidence that the products were still on some Canadian shelves as late as Friday afternoon, one week after the Canadian recall was issued.
Food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with the toxin may cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, headache, double vision, dry throat, respiratory failure and paralysis. In severe cases of illness, people may die.
Two botulism cases in Toronto are now confirmed to be associated with consumption of the affected carrot juice. In the USA, four cases of botulism poisoning have also been reported.
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