The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is warning consumers not to eat any canned soups or sauces made by Corfinio Foods of Richmond, VA, because they were improperly processed and therefore susceptible to contamination with Clostridium botulinum. Ingestion of botulism toxin from improperly processed jarred and canned foods may lead to serious illness and death. Although there have been no reported cases of illness associated with these products, the department stated that it was issuing a consumer warning so that people who have previously purchased the products do not consume them. According to Virginia food safety officials, Corfinio Foods has already suspended production of all of its canned soups and sauces, and the firm is currently working to come into compliance with state requirements. The soups and sauces are packaged in glass, Mason-style jars with metal, screw-on lids and have been sold at the Brandermill Green Market in Midlothian, VA. The jars are marked with the Corfinio Foods label. Consumers who have any of these products or any foods made with these products should discard them immediately. They should double-bag the jars in plastic bags and place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash. Those who don’t wear gloves when handling these products should wash their hands with soap and running water after handling. Botulism toxin is odorless and colorless. It is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The initial symptoms frequently experienced are double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids and dry or sore throat. Progressive descending paralysis, usually symmetrical, may follow. Infants with botulism appear lethargic, feed poorly, are constipated, and have a weak cry and poor muscle tone. Virginia Officials Warn of Botulism Risk from Corfinio Soups, Sauces
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is warning consumers not to eat any canned soups or sauces made by Corfinio Foods of Richmond, VA, because they were improperly processed and therefore susceptible to contamination with Clostridium botulinum. Ingestion of botulism toxin from improperly processed jarred and canned foods may lead to serious illness and death. Although there have been no reported cases of illness associated with these products, the department stated that it was issuing a consumer warning so that people who have previously purchased the products do not consume them. According to Virginia food safety officials, Corfinio Foods has already suspended production of all of its canned soups and sauces, and the firm is currently working to come into compliance with state requirements. The soups and sauces are packaged in glass, Mason-style jars with metal, screw-on lids and have been sold at the Brandermill Green Market in Midlothian, VA. The jars are marked with the Corfinio Foods label. Consumers who have any of these products or any foods made with these products should discard them immediately. They should double-bag the jars in plastic bags and place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash. Those who don’t wear gloves when handling these products should wash their hands with soap and running water after handling. Botulism toxin is odorless and colorless. It is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The initial symptoms frequently experienced are double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids and dry or sore throat. Progressive descending paralysis, usually symmetrical, may follow. Infants with botulism appear lethargic, feed poorly, are constipated, and have a weak cry and poor muscle tone.