California officials warn public about botulism risk with Sister Sara’s products
Pleasanton, CA company, Sister Sara, is voluntarily recalling several of their products after California Department of Public Health (CDPH) officials discovered they were produced without the required controls to prevent formation of botulism toxin, according to a CDPH news release Jan. 11.
In addition, the CDPH is warning consumers not to eat “Sister Sara’s Good for You” products due to the potential of botulism.
Sister Sara’s Good For You Soup
Image/CDPH
The affected products were sold under the Sister Sara label and packaged in one-pint glass canning jars with screw-on metal lids. The products were labeled as “Sister Sara’s Good for You Soup,” “Sister Sara’s Bread & Butter Pickles,” “Sister Sara’s Pickled Beets,” and “Sister Sara’s Old Fashioned Dill Pickles.” These products do not contain production or date codes.
No illnesses have been linked to any of the affected products at this time. The products were sold at certified farmers markets in Alameda County.
Foodborne botulism is a severe type of food poisoning caused by the ingestion of foods containing the potent neurotoxin formed during growth of the organism. Foodborne botulism can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking, breathing and swallowing. Weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms.
Symptoms generally begin 18- to-36 hours after eating contaminated food, but can occur as early as six hours, or as late as ten days.
Consumers in possession of the recalled products should discard them. Anyone who sees these products being offered for sale is encouraged to report the activity to the CDPH toll-free complaint line at (800) 495-3232 .
