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Health chiefs issue warning as lunchbox favourite is linked to deadly botulism that almost killed a baby
Health chiefs issue warning as lunchbox favourite is linked to deadly botulism that almost killed a baby

Daily Mail​

time6 days ago

  • Health
  • Daily Mail​

Health chiefs issue warning as lunchbox favourite is linked to deadly botulism that almost killed a baby

Health chiefs have issued a warning after a baby who ate peanut butter contaminated with deadly bacteria spent six weeks in hospital. The child was diagnosed with infant botulism, a life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these toxins are among the most lethal substances known because they can block nerve functions and cause respiratory and muscular paralysis. The recent case was described in Eurosurveillance, Europe's journal on infectious disease surveillance, epidemiology, prevention and control. It revealed that a six-month-old baby in the UK fell ill in May last year after being fed peanut butter in an attempt to prevent it from developing a nut allergy. The advice followed national guidance, first issued in 2018, which recommends introducing peanuts to babies at around this age. However, the authors said: 'Nuts may become contaminated with Clostridium spores at agricultural source or during processing.' The infant, after two weeks of constipation, suddenly developed extreme tiredness, a hoarse cry and noisy breathing, and struggled to eat. The previously healthy baby had recently started on solids after being breastfed from birth. In their report, the authors noted the child had also been exposed to dust and soil while playing in the garden. While general tests came back normal, adenovirus and rhinovirus were detected in a nose and throat swab. Both viruses can cause respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to flu-like symptoms. Initially, doctors suspected sepsis — a severe and potentially fatal reaction to infection — and began treatment with antibiotics. By day five, however, the baby developed high-pitched wheezing, a drooping eyelid, reduced responsiveness to stimulation and head lag, where the head falls back when seated. In a desperate attempt to find the cause of the illness, medics carried out multiple tests, but almost all returned normal results. It wasn't until a special type of test called an electromyography revealed problems with the baby's muscles that botulism was suspected. After consulting experts in the US, doctors ordered a human-derived Clostridium botulinum antitoxin (BIG-IV), on day five. This is a human immunoglobulin—an antibody—developed to neutralise the botulinum toxin in infants. However, on day six, the baby required intubation and ventilation due to worsening hypoventilation, which led to respiratory failure. On day seven, stool samples were sent to a specialist laboratory at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The following day, tests detected Clostridium botulinum type A, a foodborne bacterium capable of producing potent toxins. The crucial BIG-IV antibody finally arrived at the hospital and was administered on day 10. The baby was eventually able to breath on her own again on day 20 but required non-invasive respiratory for a further 10 days. This was followed by intensive physiotherapy aided recovery before the infant was eventually discharged on 44. When the baby was finally discharged from hospital, it still had 'head lag'—meaning its neck muscles were too weak to hold the head upright, causing it to flop backwards—as well as loss of balance and coordination. Although the infant gradually regained muscle strength, constipation persisted until day 234. Later, a used container of 'commercially prepared peanut butter' the baby had eaten ten days before the onset of symptoms tested positive for the deadly bacteria. Further testing confirmed the bacteria in the container was identical to that detected in the infant. 'This is consistent with the peanut butter being the source of the infection,' the authors said. They added: 'The product was made of roasted peanuts without addition of honey.' Infant botulism, while serious, is rare. There have only been 23 cases reported in the UK since it was first recognised in the US in 1977. It mostly affects infants under 12 months through ingestion or inhalation of bacterial spores. Just last week, a man died and nine others were hospitalised in Italy amid a botulism outbreak. Luigi Di Sarno, 52, died on August 7 after buying a broccoli and sausage sandwich from a street vendor on the Diamante seafront in the province of Cosenza. Nine others, including several of Mr Di Sarno's family members, were taken to hospital with similar symptoms. All showed signs of botulism, with two patients reportedly in a serious condition on arrival at intensive care. Authorities have seized the food truck and opened an investigation into the spread of the toxin. Officials have also ordered the immediate seizure of a commercial product, understood to be jars of broccoli in oil.

Mindful Mithai: Can you celebrate without breaking your gut?
Mindful Mithai: Can you celebrate without breaking your gut?

India Today

time08-08-2025

  • Health
  • India Today

Mindful Mithai: Can you celebrate without breaking your gut?

As the sweet scent of festive mithai fills our homes, health often takes a back seat. But is our gut health silently screaming for help behind the scenes?As we immerse ourselves in festivals full of joy, light, and delicious chaos, taking a moment to think about our gut might not seem very celebratory but it's essential.'Mindful eating, not restriction, is the real mantra for a healthy festive season,' says Dt. We spoke to Dt. Sohom Singha Roy, Senior Dietitian at Redcliffe Labs, to decode the complex relationship between festive indulgence and gut health and the truth might just be the bitter pill we need to GUT IS THE FIRST CASUALTY OF FESTIVAL BINGING'The gut microbiome, home to trillions of beneficial bacteria, takes a real hit during the festival season,' says Dt Sohom Singha Roy. 'High-glycemic sweets, saturated fats, and ultra-processed ingredients alter the microbial balance, slow intestinal motility, and may even trigger leaky gut syndrome.'This disruption often manifests subtly: bloating, fatigue, acidity, mood swings, and even post-festival acne flare-ups. 'Many people don't realise that the energy crashes or digestive issues they feel post-Diwali or Rakhi aren't just about overeating. They're signs of microbial imbalance,' he someone who's reported extensively on nutrition and wellness for over two decades, I can confirm that the gut is not just the seat of digestion, it's central to immunity, mood regulation, and metabolic health. During festivals, we don't just feed ourselves we feed our microbes. The question is: what are we feeding them?TWO LADOOS A DAY CAN TIP THE BALANCETraditional sweets like besan ladoos and barfis might remind us of grandma's kitchen, but their modern-day mass-produced versions are often sugar-loaded with low fibre and zero gut benefit.'While traditional sweets are an emotional and cultural staple, they lack the prebiotic diversity needed to support gut bacteria,' warns Roy. 'Even eating two ladoos a day for several days can lead to gut inflammation or digestive stress especially in people already prone to issues like IBS or acid reflux.'He's not against enjoying sweets but emphasises frequency and portion control. "Celebrating mindfully doesn't mean eliminating, it means being intentional," he my side, this aligns with what newer clinical studies have shown: that excess sugar consumption even over short durations can promote the growth of harmful bacteria like Clostridium and Candida, while suppressing beneficial strains like Lactobacillus and RASGULLAS CAN CROSS YOUR DAILY SUGAR LIMITIn a season where rasgullas are often handed out as casually as compliments, portion awareness becomes critical.'There's no universal rule for safe sweet intake,' says Roy, 'but a single rasgulla is already a sugar bomb. Without any fibre or fat to slow absorption, blood glucose spikes rapidly. Two in one sitting may cross the daily sugar limit for many adults especially sedentary ones.'advertisementWhat's shocking is that one medium rasgulla (about 100g) contains 25-30g of sugar. For perspective, the WHO recommends a maximum of 25g of added sugar per day for adults.'People with insulin resistance, PCOS, or inflammatory conditions should be extra careful,' Roy DETOXES ARE A MYTHAfter days of indulgence, many turn to detox juices, expensive cleanses, or crash diets to feel 'clean' again. But Roy dismisses this approach as ineffective and even harmful.'The idea that you can detox your gut with juices or fasts is a myth,' he clarifies. 'What you need is to rebuild microbial diversity.'He recommends focusing on soluble fibre like oats, flaxseeds, and psyllium husk along with fermented foods such as kefir, curd, and kanji. 'Also include polyphenol-rich ingredients like pomegranate, turmeric, and cinnamon. Repairing your gut is a marathon, not a sprint.'YES, YOU CAN HAVE GUT-FRIENDLY MITHAINow for the good news: festive joy doesn't have to come at the cost of gut health. There are better options.'Sweets made with prebiotic ingredients like inulin (from chicory root), soaked dry fruits, or probiotic curd bases can support gut health better,' Roy suggests. 'Even stevia or monk fruit-based mithai can be okay occasionally but mindful frequency and chewing slowly are key.'advertisementIn simpler terms, you don't have to skip the sweet box, you just need to open it with fact, many home chefs and brands now offer jaggery-sweetened laddus, oat halwas, or coconut-date balls packed with fibre and healthy fats. These support the gut while still satisfying the sweet Can jaggery-based sweets be considered gut-friendly?Yes, to an extent. Jaggery contains trace minerals and has a slightly lower glycaemic load than refined sugar, but moderation is still crucial.Q. What's the best time to eat sweets during festivals?Post-lunch or as a mid-morning treat is better than late evening. Pairing it with fibre or protein may reduce the glucose spike.Q. Is fasting after overindulging helpful?Prolonged fasting is not necessary. Instead, focus on hydration, light meals, and fermented foods to reset your gut.Q. Can kids enjoy sweets without harming their gut?Yes, but portion control and frequency matter. Pair sweets with nuts or fruits to soften the sugar impact.- Ends

Over 100 students fall sick after eating mid-day meal containing dead snake
Over 100 students fall sick after eating mid-day meal containing dead snake

Time of India

time02-05-2025

  • Health
  • Time of India

Over 100 students fall sick after eating mid-day meal containing dead snake

The idea of midday meals or lunch at schools is to provide essential nutrition to millions of children across India, improving health and learning outcomes. As per experts, it was found that balanced meals help fight malnutrition and support physical and cognitive development of growing kids. But recently, in an unfortunate incident more than 100 students fell sick in the northeastern town of Mokama after eating the school lunch. As per the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) more than 100 students fell sick in the northeastern town of Mokama after eating the school meal last week. It was reported that the school cook served the food to about 500 children after removing a dead snake from it. The NHRC has demanded local police to provide a 'detailed' report of the incident within two weeks, which is expected to include the health status of the affected children, the NHRC statement said in a report. For the unversed, the free school meals, known as the Mid-Day Meal, were first introduced for children from poor backgrounds in the southern city of Chennai (Madras) in 1925. It was introduced to combat hunger and boost school attendance. The commission has observed that the contents, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the students. Side effect of such contaminated food As per experts, the most common health risk of consuming such contaminated food is bacterial contamination. Dead animals, including snakes, rapidly become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, Clostridium, and E. coli and these can cause severe food poisoning, with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and dehydration. Also Read: Woman found dead rat in Manchurian at a restaurant in this city It is also said that as the snake decomposes, it releases putrefactive toxins. These can lead to toxic shock, especially if ingested in large quantities or by individuals with weak venom can damage oral tissues and can cause ulcer. Some snakes carry parasites (like roundworms or flukes) that could contaminate food and lead to gastrointestinal or systemic infections. Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now

The Biggest Seafood Recalls In US History
The Biggest Seafood Recalls In US History

Yahoo

time12-04-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

The Biggest Seafood Recalls In US History

Most Americans eat seafood on a regular basis. Some love shrimp, others prefer canned tuna, and plenty can't get enough of dishes like fried catfish or Louisiana oysters. Usually, eating seafood in a restaurant or at home is safe, but sometimes, it comes with serious risks. Over the years, there have been several major seafood recalls in the U.S. They have occurred for a wide range of reasons, including undeclared allergens, a lack of federal inspection, and, in many instances, the presence of dangerous foodborne bacteria. If you're concerned about consuming seafood, it's important to keep an eye on recalls. When there is a problem with a product, be it norovirus contamination, Listeria, or a packaging defect, brands and suppliers are quick to pull it from the market -- hopefully before anyone falls ill from consuming it. We've done some digging to find some of the biggest seafood recalls in U.S. history, affecting everything from canned tuna to catfish to frozen shrimp. Read more: Chain Steakhouse Crab Cakes Ranked From Worst To Best, According To Customers In February 2025, Tri-Union Seafoods recalled canned tuna from grocery stores across the U.S. due to fears that they could be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. If consumed, the bacteria could lead to foodborne botulism, which is a serious disease that attacks the nervous system and can be fatal. However, it's important to note that Clostridium botulinum was not found in tuna samples, but rather Tri-Union Seafoods was concerned that a defect on some of the cans, which affected the pull lid, could allow for future contamination. At the time of the recall, the canned tuna had been sent to multiple retailers across the U.S., including Trader Joe's and H-E-B, where it was sold under each of the grocery chain's private labels. In total, the cans had been sent to stores in 27 states. Anyone who had already purchased one of the recalled cans was urged not to consume them, and instead either dispose of them immediately or return them to the store for a refund. Louisiana, which is home to the biggest oyster reefs in the world, is a major supplier of oysters to the whole of the U.S. In fact, research suggests that every single day, around 1.3 million Louisiana oysters are eaten in the country. This is why it was a major public health risk when norovirus was recently traced back to one of the state's key oyster harvesting areas, Oyster Harvesting Area 3 (located to the east of Lake Borgne). As a result, in February 2025, the Louisiana Department of Health issued a recall of all Area 3 oysters. But the recall was too late to prevent sickness. By February 24, 2025, reports suggested that more than 260 people in five states (Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina) had developed norovirus -- a stomach bug that leads to symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting -- after eating the contaminated oysters. Oysters can pick up norovirus from their marine habitat. Often, it happens because untreated human waste has made its way into the ocean via leaks or faults in sewage systems. In May 2024, Irvington Seafood recalled packages of crab meat products from two states, Alabama and Mississippi, amid fears that they could be contaminated with Listeria, another strand of harmful foodborne bacteria. At the time of the recall, the crab meat — which tested positive for Listeria bacteria in product testing — had already been sent to distributors and could have been sent on to restaurants and stores. Fortunately, however, there were no reported Listeria infections associated with the crab meat, which included claw meat, fingers, jumbo, and lump. The lack of infections from the Irvington Seafood products was lucky. If consumed, Listeria bacteria can lead to listeriosis, a life-threatening infection that is particularly dangerous for vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and pregnant people. Right now, Listeria is the third leading cause of foodborne illness deaths in the U.S., responsible for around 260 fatalities every year. Irvington Seafood wasn't the only company to issue a recall due to Listeria concerns in 2024. In October of the same year, the Acme Smoked Fish Corporation, which produces salmon for the Kirkland brand, recalled 111 cases of smoked salmon from Costco distribution centers and Costco Warehouse stores in Florida for the same reason (there are more than 30 Costco Warehouse stores in the state). In this case, Listeria was found during laboratory tests of the smoked fish products. Again, anyone who had purchased the salmon was urged to dispose of it or return it to the store they bought it from for a full refund. Luckily, as with the Irvington Seafood recall, there were no Listeria infections associated with the recall. Listeriosis can lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms, including fever, aches, vomiting, chills, and diarrhea. In pregnant women, it can also increase the risk of stillbirth and miscarriages. Research suggests that pregnant women are roughly 10 times more likely to develop listeriosis than other healthy adults. In 2023, Florida-based seafood company Tampa Bay Fisheries recalled several lots of pollock and cod fillets, not because of foodborne bacteria, but because of undeclared soy. If unknowingly consumed by someone with a soy allergy, the fish fillets could lead to anaphylactic shock — a life-threatening allergic reaction. In less serious cases, it could still lead to a whole range of unpleasant symptoms like hives, stomach pain, wheezing, and dizziness. Soy allergies are particularly common in children, particularly in those under the age of 10, but in rare cases, they can affect adults, too. At the time of the recall, the fish fillets had already been sent to Whole Foods stores across the U.S. to be sold under the grocery store chain's 365 brand (the chain has more than 500 stores in total across the country). Luckily, there were no allergic reactions associated with the recall, which was linked to a packaging mixup. In 2023, Kawasho Foods USA recalled cans of shrimp from retailers across the U.S. due to concerns that the seafood was under-processed. The New York-based company, which recalled all lots with the Universal Product Code 071140003909, urged anyone who had already purchased the canned shrimp to either throw it away or return it for a refund. Fortunately, there were no reports of any illnesses associated with the Kawasho Foods recall. This was fortunate, because at the time, the shrimp had already been sent to stores in 31 states. Consuming under-processed shrimp can be dangerous. It could lead to foodborne illness, either due to product spoilage or pathogenic contamination. Clostridium botulinum is a risk, as well as a type of bacteria called Vibrio. This bacteria lives in the water with shrimp, and when consumed, it can lead to an illness called vibriosis, which can be fatal. Of the around 80,000 people who get sick with vibriosis in the U.S. every year, around 52,000 consumed contaminated food. Also in 2023, Lidl US announced it was recalling all units of its ready-to-eat cocktail shrimp from all of its stores. The budget German grocery store chain has more than 150 locations in the U.S. Again, the recall was issued due to fears around Listeria, after routine testing picked up traces of the bacteria in the cocktail shrimp. Luckily, at the time of the recall, there were no reports of listeriosis as a result of customers consuming the product. Lidl has been caught up in a few Listeria-related recalls over the years. In 2021, for example, it pulled Tyson Foods chicken products from the shelves when the meat giant recalled nearly 9 million pounds of chicken due to Listeria fears. In the same year, it was forced to pull 15 different salad products from the stores when they were implicated in a Dole Fresh Vegetables Listeria recall. Catfish is a popular seafood choice in the U.S., particularly in the Southern states. While there is a domestic industry for the fish, plenty is imported from overseas, too. However, the process doesn't always go smoothly. In 2021, Illinois company Otten's Seafood had to issue a recall for more than 46,800 pounds of catfish because they were distributed to stores in Illinois and Indiana without being inspected by federal authorities first. It turned out that neither the catfish products nor the facility they were processed in had been inspected by the USDA. It is a legal requirement for all catfish products to be inspected by U.S. federal authorities. This is to reduce the risk of people getting ill from different strains foodborne bacteria, like Listeria and Salmonella. As with Listeria, Salmonella can lead to a serious illness, known as salmonellosis. Speaking of Salmonella, also in 2021, an outbreak of the dangerous bacteria was traced back to seafood products from the Colorado-based company Northeast Seafood. This led to a state-wide recall of seafood products, including haddock, halibut, tilapia, cod, salmon, and red snapper, from restaurants and grocery stores, including Albertsons, Safeway, and Sprouts. Unfortunately, in this particular case, the products had already made people sick before they were pulled off the shelves. Around 115 people across 15 states developed salmonellosis as a result of consuming the infected seafood (which was bought in Colorado), and around 20 of those people were admitted to hospital. For many, salmonellosis will be mild, with symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, but for vulnerable individuals — including the elderly, the very young, and those with a weakened immune system — it can be life-threatening. Every year, the foodborne illness leads to around 420 deaths and 26,500 hospitalizations. In 2020, Kader Exports was also caught out by Salmonella. The FDA tested the company's frozen cooked shrimp and found traces of the bacteria in the product, which led to a nationwide recall. Luckily, even though Kader Exports believed most of the contaminated products had already been consumed, there were no reports of illness associated with the frozen cooked shrimp. Not everyone who develops salmonellosis reports their infection. For most, the symptoms are mild and clear up on their own without any need for medical treatment. Research suggests that only one in 30 Salmonella infections are actually diagnosed. As well as shrimp, the bacteria can linger in eggs, beef, pork, and even fruits and vegetables, but it is usually found in chicken. In fact, research also suggests that one in every five packages of chicken in U.S. grocery stores contains Salmonella. Salmonella, Clostridium botulinum, and Listeria aren't the only foodborne illnesses that seafood consumers need to be aware of. Sometimes, eating fish can also lead to a syndrome called scombroid poisoning. The poisoning, which has symptoms like vomiting, dizziness, rashes, and sweating, is similar to an allergic reaction, and is related to high amounts of histamine in the seafood. For most, scombroid will pass on its own, but others may require treatment with antihistamines. In 2019, Mical Seafood recalled several different yellowfin tuna products, including ground meat and steaks, after high levels of histamines led to scombroid poisoning in at least four individuals. The histamines likely formed in the tuna as a result of improper refrigeration. At the time of the recall, the products had already been distributed to more than 10 states, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten, and Grand Cayman. Otten Seafood isn't alone in its catfish recall. In 2019, Texas-based seafood supplier Fulton Seafood was also forced to recall more than 100,000 pounds of catfish, which were sold with the label River Catfish Wild USA, from retailers in Texas due to a lack of federal inspection. Unlike most of the catfish sold in the U.S., Fulton Seafood's fish were caught from the wild. But even though they weren't raised in a farm environment, the law still dictates that they need to be inspected by the USDA before they can be distributed to stores or restaurants. Anyone who had already purchased the catfish was urged to either throw it away or return it to the store they bought it from for a refund. Again, this was because the fish could contain foodborne bacteria, like Listeria or Salmonella. Luckily, there were no reports of illness associated with the uninspected products. Tuna is, without a doubt, one of the most popular types of seafood consumed in the U.S. In fact, in 2020, more than 266 million Americans consumed the fish in some capacity. But as with many different types of seafood, eating tuna doesn't come without risk. Back in 2012, California-based company the Moon Marine USA Corporation was forced to recall almost 60,000 pounds of tuna scrape from the market amid fears that it contained a strain of Salmonella bacteria. Tuna scrape refers to tuna that has been scraped from the bones of the fish. It kind of looks like ground meat, and is commonly used in spicy tuna sushi rolls. Unfortunately, in this instance, the infected products had made around 425 people sick in 28 different states. Around 55 people were hospitalized with Salmonellosis as a result of the contaminated fish, but fortunately, there were no fatalities. Listeria has been causing seafood recalls for decades. Back in 1995, British brand Glen Dawn Seafoods, which sold smoked salmon under many brand names including Glen Dawn, Fjord Dawn, and Sea Glow, recalled products from across the U.S. after tests found traces of the bacteria in the product. The seafood had been distributed in the U.S. by MacKnight, a Florida-based smoked salmon distributor. When it comes to Listeria, smoked fish is particularly risky because it isn't always fully cooked. This means that it is easier for bacteria like Listeria, which can be killed by heat but not cold temperatures, to survive on the fish and make people sick. For that reason, cold-smoked fish products are particularly dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly and people who are pregnant. In 2022, UK food safety experts urged vulnerable individuals to avoid consuming smoked fish products altogether due to the risk of Listeria. Foodborne botulism, which results from consuming food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, is rare, but it does happen. Back in 1982, for example, a Belgian man died after consuming canned salmon in the U.S. that had been contaminated with the bacteria. The man's death led to a major recall of nearly 60 million cans of salmon, all of which were produced using faulty canning equipment in Alaska. The equipment left holes in the cans, which allowed for the growth of Clostridium botulinum. There were no other reports of foodborne botulism associated with this specific recall, but there have been incidents since. In 2019, for example, there were around 21 cases of the disease in the U.S. Most were related to packaged store-bought foods, and a small number were traced back to homemade fermented beluga flipper. Botulism isn't just caused by food — Clostridium botulinum can also infect wounds, for example (sometimes through the use of dirty needles). Unfortunately, 1982 was a big year for seafood recalls. In the same year, California-based seafood company Bumble Bee was forced to pull 40 million cans of tuna from the shelves. This time, it wasn't due to Clostridium botulinum, but spoilage. Luckily, there were no reports of illness associated with the tuna products, but consumers did start complaining to the company that the fish was off. Again, as with the Alaska incident, the problem was due to a manufacturing error that led the cans to be damaged with small holes. Eating spoiled fish comes with a few risks, including scombroid poisoning. In fact, tuna is one of the most common types of seafood associated with the syndrome. Like smoked salmon, canned tuna also presents a risk of foodborne botulism. On top of this, it can also be contaminated with Salmonella and among other harmful foodborne strains of bacteria. Read the original article on Mashed.

Tuna cans sold at Walmart, Trader Joe's, and more recalled over fatal contamination risk
Tuna cans sold at Walmart, Trader Joe's, and more recalled over fatal contamination risk

Express Tribune

time11-02-2025

  • Health
  • Express Tribune

Tuna cans sold at Walmart, Trader Joe's, and more recalled over fatal contamination risk

Certain tuna products sold at major U.S. retailers have been recalled due to a potential contamination risk. On Friday, Tri-Union Seafoods voluntarily recalled specific canned tuna products sold under the Genova, Van Camp's, H-E-B, and Trader Joe's brands. These items were distributed across the country at stores including Walmart, Trader Joe's, Costco, Kroger, and Publix. A press release from the company stated that the recall was initiated after its supplier identified a manufacturing flaw in the 'easy open' lids of the tuna cans. The defect might 'compromise the integrity of the product seal (especially over time), causing it to leak, or worse, be contaminated with clostridium botulinum,' a bacteria that causes foodborne botulism and can be fatal. The U.S. World Health Organization warns that 'Clostridium botulinum can grow and produce toxins in food prior to consumption.' Consuming food contaminated with this bacteria can lead to foodborne botulism, which presents symptoms such as 'fatigue, weakness, and vertigo, usually followed by blurred vision, dry mouth and difficulty in swallowing and speaking.' Tri-Union Seafoods has advised customers not to consume the recalled tuna, even if it 'does not look or smell spoiled.' The company also recommends seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms develop. As of February 10, 'no illnesses associated with the recalled products have been reported and the recall is being conducted to ensure consumer safety.' The recalled tuna cans labeled H-E-B were available in retail stores throughout Texas. Meanwhile, Trader Joe's branded tuna cans were sold in 19 states, including New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Genova's seven-ounce cans were stocked at Costco locations in Florida and Georgia. The five-ounce Genova cans were distributed through Harris Teeter, Publix, H-E-B, Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, and independent retailers across 10 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, and Georgia. Tuna cans with the Van Camp's brand label were sold at Walmart and independent retailers in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey.

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