February 29, 2008 - Walker's Food Products Company of North Kansas City, Missouri, is recalling its 16oz., 5-lb. and 10-lb. containers of Four Bean Salad because of potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death.
Consumers are warned not to use the product, even if it does not look or smell spoiled. Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of muscles, abdominal distension, and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.
The recalled Four Bean Salad was distributed to distributors in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa for ultimate distribution to retail stores and restaurants. The product in the 16 oz. containers was packaged under the Kay's Gourmet brand name. The product in the 5-lb. and 10-lb. containers was packaged under the Walker's Food Products Co. brand name. The containers are round clear plastic packages, which have an expiration date stamped on the bottom surface. The expiration dates subject to recall are 12/23/07 thru 04/5/08.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
Walker's Food Products became aware of the problem after being notified by another company they had received beans that had been recalled due to being potentially contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. The manufacturer of the beans and FDA are continuing to investigate the source of this problem.