ALERT!

BABY FOOD RECALL!

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has alerted Canadian consumers. A U.S. recall of organic baby food which some Canadians may have purchased online, may cause Botulism.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is now warning consumers that certain jars of Earth's Best Organic 2 Apple Peach Barley Wholesome Breakfast baby food on Feb. 16, may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism (a life threatening illness, which may even cause death).

The FDA says the product has not been sold in Canadian stores, however the CFIA has issued an advisory, warning Canadians who may have purchased the products online (ebay anyone?) not to use the baby food.

The affected baby foods are:
Earth's Best Organic 2, Apple Peach Barley Wholesome Breakfast (4.5 ounce jars, lid PFGJ14NP), UPC 23923-20223, expiry date Sept. 14, 2008.
Earth's Best Organic 2, Wholesome Breakfast Variety Pack (12 pack), UPC 23923-20295, expiry date Sept. 13, 2008.
Earth's Best Organic 2, Apple Peach Barley (4.5 ounce jars within 12 pack, lid PF6J14 NP), UPC 23923-20223, expiry date Sept. 14, 2008.

Once opened, these products may produce a spoiled smell and show discoloration upon stiring. However consumers are still advised not to use the above products even if they do not look or smell spoiled.

Botulism
A potentially fatal form of food poisoning will usually causes illness within 18-36 hours of exposure. Initial indication of illness in infants is a decreased frequency or, absence of stools. Other signs and symptoms are poor feeding, diminished overall movement, and decreased respiratory effort. Caregivers observing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately for those affected.

Current Update

The Hain Celestial Group initiated the recall on February 9th and it is ongoing. Production aswell as the distribution of their products have been suspended as both the FDA and the company itself are working to determine the source.

Hain Celestial Group distributed 4,072 cases of the specified individual jars consisting of 24 jars per case and 38,298 variety packs with the specified jars.

No illnesses have yet been reported.

Consumers with further questions should contact the Hain Celestial Group at 1-800-434-4246.