clostridium botulinum poisoning. The can’s hermetic seals were compromised, which can cause cans to “leak, bloat or allow bacteria to grow inside the product which could lead to serious illness,” the recall notes.
Botulism can take anywhere from six hours to two weeks to surface after someone consumes the toxin. Symptoms, according to the notice, include “double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness.” It can further cause “paralysis of the breathing muscles, which can result in death unless assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation) is provided.”
The initial recall featured six lots of black beans, which were distributed in California, Washington, Utah, Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, Alaska, Hawaii, Texas, Georgia, and Idaho. The updated list expands from six to 16 lots. All of the lots are under the label of 15-ounce cans of S&W Organic Black Beans, 15-ounce cans of O Organic Organic Black Beans, or 15-ounce cans of O Organic Organic Chili Beans. You can find the best-by dates and lot codes for the recalled cans on the FDA recall page.
