Potential Botulism Risk from Canned French Cut Green Beans

Chrissie Cole

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns consumers not to eat French Cut Green Beans in 14.5 ounce cans manufactured by Lakeside Foods Inc., due to the product not being processed properly to eliminate the chance of botulism toxins.

As of August 1, 2007 the FDA had not received any reports of illness.

The botulism toxin is very strong and can cause life threatening-illness if ingested from tainted products. Botulism symptoms can start from six hours to two weeks after eating foods contaminated with the toxin. Symptoms can include: blurred vision, double vision, droopy eyelids, slurred speech, dry mouth, and difficulty swallowing and muscle weakness that descends down the body. Botulism can also cause paralysis of the breathing muscles which can result in death.

Any consumers who may have recently eaten the product are urged to seek medical attention immediately. Consumers who may have any of these products should discard them immediately. If the code is affected or missing from the products, consumers should throw them away to be safe.

The affected Lakeside cut green beans are sold nationwide under the following labels: Albertson's, Happy Harvest, Best Choice, Food Club, Bogopa, Valu Time, Hill Country Fare, HEB, Laura Lynn, Kroger, No Name, North Pride, Shop N Save, Shoppers Valu, Schnucks, Cub Foods, Dierbergs, Flavorite, IGA, Best Choice and Thrifty Maid. The specific codes (top line of can code) involved are: EAA5247, EAA5257, EAA5267, EAA5277, EAB5247, EAB5257, ECA5207, ECA5217, ECA5227, ECA5297, ECB5207, ECB5217, ECB5227, ECB5307.

For more information please visit our section on defective and dangerous products.