Canadian Firm Expands Recall of Baby Food After Reported Illness

A Canadian firm is expanding its recall of baby food.  The initial recall posted on February 3, 2017 for one product type.  Since that time, there have been reported illness(es), so the company has expanded the recall.  According to the news release, the issue was a " manufacturing error resulted in excess water in the product, which under certain circumstances could support the growth of Clostridium Botulinum and pose a health risk to consumers".   As an example of what could have happened, the acid component was over diluted with water and then when added, there was insufficient acid to lower pH to a safe range.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) News Release
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/newsroom/food-recall-warnings/complete-listing/2017-02-08/eng/1486618317290/1486618321366
Updated Food Recall Warning - PC Organics brand baby food pouches recalled due to potential presence of dangerous bacteria

Recall date:February 8, 2017 

Reason for recall:Microbiological - Clostridium botulinum 

Hazard classification: Class 1 

Company / Firm:Loblaw Companies 

Limited Distribution:National Extent of the distribution:

Retail Reference number:11182

Recall details

Ottawa, February 8, 2017 - The food recall warning issued on February 3, 2017 has been updated to include additional products. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) food safety investigation.

Loblaw Companies Limited is recalling PC Organics brand baby food pouches from the marketplace because they may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum. A manufacturing error resulted in excess water in the product, which under certain circumstances could support the growth of Clostridium Botulinum and pose a health risk to consumers. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

The products were sold at the following locations up to and including February 8, 2017.

Ontario: Fortinos, Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, valu-mart, Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs, Shoppers Drug Mart, and affiliated independent stores

Atlantic: Atlantic Superstore, Dominion, Cash&Carry, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Your Independent Grocer, Shoppers Drug Mart, and affiliated independent stores

Québec: Club entrepôt, Maxi, Maxi & Cie, Presto, Provigo, Provigo le Marché, AXEP, Pharmaprix, and Intermarché

West: Extra Foods, Loblaws City Market, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Your Independent Grocer, Shoppers Drug Mart, and affiliated independent stores

What you should do

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check to see if you have recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, blurred or double vision, dry mouth, respiratory failure and paralysis. In severe cases of illness, people may die.
Learn more about the health risks
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View our detailed explanation of the food safety investigation and recall process
Background

This recall was triggered by a consumer complaint. The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing recalled products from the marketplace.


Illnesses

There have been reported illnesses that may be associated with the consumption of these products.