Plum Organics baby food recall - for botulism?

October 21, 12:00 AMNatural Health ExaminerGenevieve Kiger

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Plum Organics Babyfood Recalled Due to Slight Risk of Botulism

photo by Xenophod

Plum Organics issued a voluntary recall of their 4.22 oz. Apple & Carrot Portable Pouch baby food with a best by date of may 21, 2010, which were sold at Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us.

Why Was the Recall Issued?

According to the cover letter from Gigi Lee Chang, the founder of Plum Organics, the recall was issued due to "a mixing error . . . which resulted in an improper blend of carrots and apples."  This sounds innocent enough, and hardly cause for a mass recall, even if a small one affecting only a single batch of a single product.  

However, later in the recall notice, it states that "The recall was undertaken as a precaution due to the risk of potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism, a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition."  

Dr. Paul Gerhardt, a Food Science Ph.D. and member of the Plum Organics action team explains further, "The product did not meet the FDA guidelines for proper acidity level.  Thugh the risk of illness from this one batch is minimal, Plum Organics is taking the extraordinary step of recalling all Apple & Carrot Baby Food Pouches with best by date of May 21, 2010."

What Does This All Mean?

Put most simply, because of a mixing error, conditions made it possible that the baby food might become contaminated by Clostridium botulinum, and Plum Organics felt compelled because of a commitment to "the safety and satisfaction of [their] customers and their children," to issue this recall, just in case.

There were no instances of actual contamination by Clostridium botulinum reported, nor any reports of illnesses.

What Should You Do if You Have Plum Organics Baby Food Affected by This Recall?

Plum Organics advises customers to either return the affected baby food to the store at which it was purchased, or alternately dispose of the affected food and contact them directly at info@plumorganics.com with your name, address, phone number, location of purchase, amount of product purchased, and the date listed on the product for further information.  Questions can be directed to the same email address, and they also supplied a telephone number for questions or concerns, 888-974-3555.

Information on Other Recalls:

• Cantaloupe recall due to possible salmonella, no illness reported - Del Monte cantaloupes in California and Nevada recalled
• Another spinach recall issued, no one got sick - this time - another recent recall out of California of food that tested positive for salmonella

Other Suggested Reading:

• Tips to include balanced nutrition in kids school lunches - tips and tricks on nutrition for slightly older kids
• Tylenol may weaken immune response to vaccines says study - looks at Tylenol's effects on infant immunizations
• Younger people and children more vulnerable to H1N1 Swine Flu than expected - sobering statistics on swine flu symptoms in young children
• Help kids have a healthier Happy Halloween - tips on healthier treats for Trick or Treaters

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