Health Law

Possible botulism contamination of Hawaiian black bean sauce

By Drew Falkenstein

Hawaii Business Group Inc., Barb's Favorite Recipes and Ohana Seafoods are recalling Barb's Local Style Black Bean Sauce and Ohana Flavors Black Bean Sauce because of possible health risks due to the potential growth of Clostridium Botulinum (botulism), a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death.  The sauce was manufactured by First Commercial Kitchen LLC.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, may cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision, and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, abdominal distension, and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

The Black Bean Sauce is sold in 12oz. glass jars and labeled as Barb's Local Style Black Bean Sauce or Ohana Flavors Black Bean Sauce. The UPC numbers on the product are 6-75981-42491-8 and 7-02003-72739-6. The recalled sauce was distributed on Oahu and Molokai.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. A routine inspection discovered the problem.

Full post as published by Food Poison Blog on January 20, 2011 (boomark / email).