Botulism Risk From Earth's Best' Baby Food Product

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to consumers about botulism risk connected to certain jars of Earth's Best baby food. The FDA warns that Organic 2 Apple Peach Barley Wholesome breakfast jars, which are available individually and in variety packs, are unsafe to eat.

Jars contaminated with the botulism bacteria will not smell or look different from a safe product. Within 18-36 hours after eating, infants may not feed well, become constipated, and become listless and not move much. Often, they may drool from the mouth and have difficulty swallowing. If untreated, serious paralysis can develop and cause respiratory distress that may require hospitalization. The bacteria produces a toxin in the body that acts on the central nervous system and causes onset of symptoms within 10 days after eating.

Hain Celestial Group recalled this product on February 9 and has been working with the FDA to uncover the source of the problem. The FDA urges consumers to check for the following UPC codes on the products: 23923-20223 on 4.5 "oz. jars 23923-20295 on the variety pack.

Discard these jars without opening them or check with the store where you purchased them about their exchange or refund policy. Consumers can call Hain Celestial group at 1-800-434-4246 for more information. Consumers may also get the UPC code and lid numbers from the FDA site, www.fda.gov.

Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS) has notified the corporate offices of several large food chains and area health food stores that may carry this product. This warning should be of interest not only to families with young infants, but also to families where an elderly person may be on a soft food diet that includes baby food. For more information, call YCCHS at 771-3149 or 639-8138.