Bacon Spread Recalled in Canada Over Botulism Concerns

“Bacon by Brad Smoliak” bacon spread sold in Alberta is being recalled due to potentially permitting the growth of clostridium botulinum, the bacterium which casues botulism, according to CBC News.  The problem was detected through testing done by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).  The recalled product comes in 125-gram jars with best-before dates of May 14, 2014, and June 14, 2014. Customers who purchased the product are urged to throw it away or return it to the store for a refund.  A clostridium-contaminated product will not taste or smell differently than a non-contaminated one, making it impossible to detect with the senses.  Symptoms of botulism include double vision, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth and muscle weakness. Anyone who ate the spread and experienced these symptoms should immediately consult with a healthcare provider.  “I deeply regret the concern and uncertainty this may cause you,” Smoliak said in a statement on the company’s website. “I am a chef that lives in a culture of food safety. I have an unwavering commitment to keeping your food safe with standards that go beyond regulatory requirements. I acknowledge that my best efforts failed and I am sorry.”