OTTAWA, March 22, 2007 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and
Excelsior Foods Inc. are warning the public not to consume Marcella's
Garden brand Olives described below because these products may be contaminated
with Clostridium botulinum. Toxins produced by
this bacteria may cause botulism, a life-threatening illness.
Only the following Marcella's Garden brand Olives sold in 600 ml plastic tubs bearing a best before date of
31/07/2007 are affected by this alert.
Baresana Olives, lot 009/6, UPC 0 62136 90067 8.
Calabrese Olives, lot 012/6, UPC 0 62136 90070 8.
Cerignola Olives, lot 011/6, UPC 0 62136 90069 2.
Jumbo Stuffed Olives, lot 011/9, UPC 0 62136 90071 5.
Kalamata Olives, lot 005/6, UPC 0 62136 90066 1.
Nocellara Olives, lot 010/6, UPC 0 62136 90068 5.
These olives, imported from Italy, were distributed in British Columbia,
Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of
these olives.
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.
The importer, Excelsior Foods Inc.,
Toronto, Ontario, is voluntarily recalling the affected products from the
marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the
effectiveness of the recall.
For more information, consumers and industry may call one of the following
numbers:
Excelsior Foods Inc., Daniel Violante, at
1-800-845-5636.
CFIA at 1 800
442-2342. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time, Monday to Friday.
For information on Clostridium botulinum, visit the Food Facts web
page at
http://www.inspection.gc.cahttp://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/cause/botulisme.shtml
For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety
facts, visit our web site at
www.inspection.gc.ca.
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Media enquiries:
Excelsior Foods Inc., Daniel Violante, at
1-800-845-5636.
Davendra Sharma (English)
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Food Recall and Emergency Response
613-755-2890
Linda Leblanc (French)
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Food Recall and Emergency Response
613-760-4112
Fact Sheet: Food
Safety Facts on Botulism
Audio Clips for Food Recalls and Allergy
Alerts
