Foodborne botulism poisoning is a rare but serious illness that is caused by a potent neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Although there are only about According to the FDA:

“…these products have a pH and a water activity level that is too high and could be a possible health hazard. With these high levels, it is possible for Clostridium botulism sickness…”

Symptoms of botulism poisoning may include:

• Weakness
• Vertigo
• Double vision
• Difficulty speaking and swallowing

It is imperative to properly dispose of products contaminated with botulism. Some tips on how to tell if food is contaminated with Clostridium botulinum and how to dispose of it.

1. If the container is UNOPENED, a botulism contamination may be evidenced by a swollen package. If the container is OPEN, Double-bag the product in plastic bags, tape shut, and dispose in trash outside of the home away from the reach of children and pets

This botulism recall involves:

• Pumpkin Butter 9 oz.  UPC code# 0 49646 50014 7
• Pumpkin Butter 16 & 18 oz. UPC code# 0 49646 65549 6
• Sweet Potato Butter 16 & 18 oz. UPC code# 0 49646 65550 2

The products were sold under many brands, including:

Amish Wedding Foods, Finney’s Bulk Foods, Our Maker’s Acres, Uncle Charlies Products, Grandpa’s Cheese Barn, Laird Ranch, Lonesome Dove Guest & Buffalo Ranch, Slovacek Sausage Co., Snacks & More, Brumfield Farm Market, Goldie’s Front Porch Inc., Horrocks Farm Market, Moose Mercantile, Nostalgic Mercantile, Planktown Country Market, Swiss Meat & Sausage Company, Apple Barn, Apple Castle, Brights Nursery, Cagle Steaks, Country Creations, Damascus General Store, Do it Best Copr., Dutch Pantry, Granny’s Oven Fresh, Hattie’s Cafe & Gifts, Millburn Orchards, MMKM Family Produce Market, Sauders Store Inc., The Restoration Society Inc., Weaver’s Country Market, Wilson’s Farm Market, Yoder’s Craft & Gifts, Abbott Farms, Amish Cheese House, Amishables, Ashe Cheese NC, Boggio’s Little Mtn. Orchard, Farmers Peach Corner, Fisher’s Country Store PA, Graves Farm & Garden, Great Sports Products, Gruene General Store, Gruene Haus, Holden Brothers Produce, House of Carter, Kerr Farm Market, Klemke’s Sausage Haus, Nature Way Country Store, Riley’s Gifts and More, Rocky Mountain Pantry, Shaffer’s Market, STUBBYS INC., The Farm Store, The Round Barn.

STATES where these products were distributed include:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virgina, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations prohibit the sale of uneviscerated fish because the harmful pathogen Clostridium Botulinum can be found more typically in fish viscera than any other part of a fish food product. The bacterium, if ingested, can produce a strong neurotoxin which can cause severe and potentially fatal food poisoning known as botulism. Symptoms of botulism can include dizziness, difficulty swallowing or speaking, double vision, fatigue and abdominal problems. Although the illness is rare, it is often deadly if not treated quickly. People experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor immediately.

The recalled fish has been sold at various New York and New Jersey area retailers. Consumers should return the product to the place of purchase even if it does not seem spoiled.

Consumers discarding food that could be contaminated with the botulinum toxin should use extreme care. Even a small amount of the toxin ingested or absorbed through any break in the skin can cause illness. Avoid cross-contamination with other foods and avoid contact with skin. Wear rubber or latex gloves when handling any open or leaking package of recalled product. Do not throw food in a sink, garbage disposal or toilet.