FDA Warning: Canned Green Beans May Contain Botulism

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued another warning about contaminated food and this time it is canned french cut green beans that may be contaminated with botulism.

The beans are manufactured by Lakeside Foods of Manitowoc, Wisconsin and come in 14.5 ounce cans. The warning is because the product may not have been processed in the proper way to eliminate the chance of botulism.

If you have purchased any of the brands listed below, dispose of the cans immediately. The beans are sold under these labels. Albertson's, Happy Harvest, Best Choice, Food Club, Bogopa, Valu Time, Hill Country Fare, HEB, Laura Lynn, Kroger, No Name, North Pride, Shop N Save, Shoppers Valu, Schnucks, Cub Foods, Dierbergs, Flavorite, IGA, Best Choice and Thrifty Maid.

Take a look at the top of the can to check for these codes. The specific codes (top line of can code) involved are: EAA5247, EAA5257, EAA5267, EAA5277, EAB5247, EAB5257, ECA5207, ECA5217, ECA5227, ECA5297, ECB5207, ECB5217, ECB5227, ECB5307.

So far there have been no reports of sickness contracted from eating these products, but the risk is very real and there is no sense in taking a chance for a can of beans.

Botulism can be fatal. If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if you have used any of the contaminated product, seek medical assistance immediately. The symptoms can take anywhere from six hours to two weeks to appear. Be on the lookout for double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness that moves progressively down the body, affecting the shoulders first then descending to the upper arms, lower arms, thighs, and calves.

In the most sever cases, botulism can cause paralysis of the breathing muscles, which will result in death unless breathing assistance is begun immediately.

Lakeside has contacted the FDA and has informed them that they have stated a voluntary recall of all the cans that have the possibility of being contaminated. They also have a toll free number for anyone concerned 800-466-3834 ext. 4090.