CDPH Warns Consumers Not to Eat Jarred Erewhon Soups due to Botulism Risk
SACRAMENTO ā The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) warned consumers today not to eat jarred soups sold at Erewhon Organic Grocer & CafĆ© locations in Southern California as they may have been improperly produced, making them susceptible to contamination with Clostridium botulinum. Ingestion of botulism toxin from improperly processed jarred and canned foods may lead to serious illness and death.
Nowhere Commissary Corporation of Los Angeles, also called "Erewhon," is voluntarily recalling 53 varieties of jarred soup products. They were sold under the "Erewhon" label and packaged in Mason-style glass jars with screw-on metal lids. The product labels include the name of the soup, ingredients, net weight, and a "Best By" date. All varieties and jar sizes of Erewhon soup have been recalled regardless of the "Best By" date. Photographs can be found on CDPH's Recalled Product Photos Page. The recalled soups were sold at four Erewhon Organic Grocer & CafƩ stores located in Calabasas (26767 Agoura Road), Los Angeles (7660 Beverly Blvd.), Santa Monica (2800 Wilshire Blvd.) and Venice (585 Venice Blvd.).
Botulism toxin is odorless and colorless, so consumers will be unable to determine if a product is affected. Consumers who have any of these products or any foods made with these products should discard them immediately by double bagging the jar into tightly-closed plastic bags and placing it in a trash bin for non-recyclable trash. Wear rubber or latex gloves when handling these products and wash your hands with soap and running water.
Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Initial symptoms frequently include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, and dry or sore throat. Progressive descending paralysis, usually symmetrical, may follow. Additional symptoms may include slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, inability of the neck muscles to support the head, and paralysis of the extremities and respiratory muscles. Infants with botulism appear lethargic, feed poorly, are constipated, have a weak cry and poor muscle tone.
Consumers experiencing any ill effects after consuming these products should consult their health care provider. Consumers who find the product being offered for sale should report the activity to the CDPH toll-free complaint line (800) 495-3232.