Baby Food Recalled, Botulism Contamination Suspected

October 2009

Plum Organics has announced that it is recalling one lot of its baby food sold nationally at Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us. The Apple & Carrot Portable Pouch baby food could be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism, a potentially life-threatening illness.

The baby food is sold in 4.22-ounce pouches, with a "best by" date of May 21, 2010 and UPC code 890180001221. The company said that the product was improperly mixed and did not meet the FDA guidelines for acidity levels. They urge consumers to throw the baby food away, even if it looks normal. Botulism can lead to muscle paralysis and, in some instances, respiratory failure.

Approximately 100 cases of botulism are reported in the United States every year, with infants accounting for the majority of infections. Symptoms of botulism in children and adults include abdominal cramps; difficulty breathing, speaking, and swallowing; vomiting; and double vision. Symptoms of botulism in infants include constipation, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, poor feeding, weak cry, and weak sucking.