Homemade of Leavenworth, WA, is recalling pickle and sauce products because they may have been improperly produced. Washington State Department of Agriculture routine sampling discovered that a bottle of Homemade Bread and Butter Pickles had a pH level high enough to allow the growth of Clostridium botulinum. Required records were not available to support that safe processing guidelines were followed on all sauce and pickle products produced at Homemade. Recalled products are packaged in clear glass bottles with metal caps. There are no lot codes or expiration dates on recalled products. The following products have been recalled:

• Bread and Butter Pickles (16 oz./454 g)
• Icicle Pickles (16 oz./454 g)
• Pickled Beets (16 oz./454 g)
• Chili Sauce (12 oz./340 g)
• Lite BBQ Sauce (12 oz./ 340 g)
• Medium BBQ Sauce (12 oz./340 g)
• Hot BBQ Sauce (12 oz./340 g)
• Horseradish BBQ Sauce (12 oz./340 g)

Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled. The recalled products were sold from small retailers and fruit stands in Chelan and Douglas counties in Washington state. To date, the company has not been notified of illness associated with their products. Consumers who have purchased recalled pickles and sauces are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (509) 548-5301, Monday through Friday, during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT. Foodborne botulism is a severe type of food poisoning caused by the ingestion of foods containing the potent neurotoxin formed during growth of the organism. Symptoms can include general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention. (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)