A European-style market and deli in Washington state is recalling all lots of its canned tomato juice and adjika (a spicy dip) produced in its Auburn and Tacoma stores since September 2013. Marvel Food & Deli officials stated that the action was taken “as a precaution for the safety of its customers” because the canning process had not been tested and evaluated and the products were prepared “without the benefit of an approved procedure and permit.” Customers were warned not to use the products even if they did not look or smell spoiled. Although the company stated that no complaints of illness had been received related to the consumption of its products, its statement noted that, “When canned products are inadequately processed, there is the potential for contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death.” “We are dedicated to our customers’ satisfaction and are taking extra precautionary measures at this time to assure the complete safety of our products,” said Andrey Ivantsov, owner of Marvel Food & Deli. “We thank you in advance for your immediate response and sincerely apologize for any inconveniences this may have caused.” All existing in-house canned tomato juice and adjika products have been removed from store shelves, and Marvel Food & Deli staff members will be working with the appropriate state and local agencies to get approval for any future in-house canning production and sales. Symptoms of foodborne botulism start 12-36 hours and sometimes several days after eating a contaminated food and include blurred vision, dry mouth, paralysis of the muscles (especially those muscles that control the face, swallowing, and breathing), vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. People who have eaten one of the products described below and who are experiencing any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. All lots of the following produced purchased after September 2013 have been recalled: 16-oz. Country Style Adjika (code: 2176232116), 32-oz. Country Style Adjika (code: 2176232104), and 32-oz. Home Style Tomato Juice, (code 2176232105). Consumers who have purchased the firm’s tomato juice or adjika are urged to return it to either Marvel Food & Deli stores for a full refund. The Auburn store is at 615 C St. S.W. and the Tacoma store is at 301 133rd St. S. Customers may also contact the company at (253) 227-4740 or visit the website (go to “Contact” section).
