The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) warned consumers not to eat certain 7th Heaven Gourmet spreads on Saturday because they were processed in a manner that makes them susceptible to contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism poisoning.
7th Heaven Gourmet of Hesperia, California recalled its Pate Mediterraneo and Eggplant & Shitake Tapenade spreads packaged in 8 ounce glass jars with screw-on metal lids, which were available for purchase between September 2011 and July 2012 and sold at farmers markets in Victorville and Rancho Cucamonga, California. Consumers may have purchased the 7th Heaven Gourmet spreads at the following farmers markets: – Victorville Farmers Market (Victor Valley College) 18422 Bear Valley Rd, Victorville, CA – Victoria Garden Farmers Market, 12505 North Mainstreet, Rancho Cucamonga, CA Anyone in possession of the recalled products should discard them in the trash. Botulism 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. Additional symptoms may include slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, inability of the neck muscles to support the head; paralysis of the extremities and respiratory muscles may occur. Infants with botulism appear lethargic, feed poorly, are constipated, have a weak cry, and poor muscle tone. Consumers with any of these symptoms should contact their health care provider.
