Canada: Bar clams recalled because of botulism fears
Saint-Thomas-De-Kent, New Brunswick company, St. Thomas Fish Market Inc., voluntarily recalled several lots of Bar clams because they may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, the etiologic agent of botulism, according to a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) health hazard alert Friday.
St. Thomas Bar Clams
Image/CFIA
The details on the affected products are as follows:
St. Thomas Bar Clams sold in jars declaring a drained weight of 210 g (7.41 oz.). The affected jars also contain one of the following lot codes which is located on the cover of the jar: 03731, 03732, 03831, 03832, 03833, 03931, 03932, 05631, 05633, 05634.
The affected product was distributed in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Quebec.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and St. Thomas Fish Market are warning the public not to consume the Bar Clams.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.
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.
The most serious complication of botulism is respiratory failure, where it is fatal in up to 10% of people. It may take months before recovery is complete.
For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:
St. Thomas Fish Market Inc., Marie Leger at 506-743-5965;
CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).
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