Botulism could be linked to canned green beans

The FDA announced today a nationwide canned green bean recall as a result possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria which causes botulism. Over 6,000 pounds of green beans, which were sold in large institutional-sized 6 pound 5 ounce cans, could potentially cause the potentially life threatening form of food poisoning. The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate food poisoning lawsuits nationwide.

>>INFORMATION: Botulism Food Poisoning

The green bean recall was issued for cans manufactured by New Era Canning Company, which were sold to retailers, restaurants and foodservice institutions, such as hospitals, cafeterias and schools. The large cans were sold by Gordon Food Service through GFS Marketplace stores located in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.

The FDA indicates that the canned grean beans could have been sold to restaurants, cafeterias and other food service customers in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

The large cans are primarily intended for use by commercial establishments, but any consumers who may have the canned green beans have been warned to exercise extreme caution. If even a small amount of Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) toxin is ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin it can result in serious botulism food poisoning.

>>LINK: FDA Information about Canned Green Bean Botulism Risk

Botulism is a muscle-paralyzing disease which can lead to death. Problems often appear within 12 hours to 24 hours after exposure to contaminated foods, but could appear as soon as 2 hours later or as late as 2 weeks after exposure. Early botulism symptoms could include:

• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Double vision
• Difficulty speaking
• Trouble swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• Abdominal Distension
• Constipation

It is unclear at this time exactly how the recalled cans of green beans were contaminated with the toxin which could cause botulism. It is very rare for commercially canned foods to become contaminated with C. botulinum, since cans are supposed to be heated long enough and at high enough temperatures to kill spores which can otherwise cause the toxin to develop and grow. If a manufacturer fails to properly process the cans, they could develop leaky seems which allow the toxins in.

Before this year, the last botulism outbreak associated with commercially canned foods was in the 1970s. However, in July 2007, tens of millions of cans of chili, hot dog sauce, beef stew hash and other meats were recalled after they were linked to several cases of botulism food poisoning. The next month, another canned green bean recall was issued by Lakeside Foods, Inc. as a result of 15,000 cans of green beans which were also potentially contaminated with botulinum.

CANNED FOOD BOTULISM LAWSUITS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent victims of food poisoning throughout the United States. If you, a friend or family member have been diagnosed with botulism after eating green beans at a restaurant, food service institution or in your home, request a free claim evaluation.