The FDA is warning consumers not to eat any Bio Gaudiano brand Organic Olives Stuffed with Almonds.
Pure Italian LLC of Watertown, Mass., the U.S. distributor, in conjunction with the manufacturer and packer, Bio Gaudiano of Italy, is voluntarily recalling all sizes and lots of Bio Gaudiano Organic Olives Stuffed with Almonds. This product has been linked to a botulism outbreak in Europe.
Consumers should return the product to the place of purchase or dispose of it in a sealed container in the trash so that people and animals, including wild animals, can't get to it.
Health authorities in Europe have reported two cases of botulism in Finland involving hospitalization. The consumption of Organic Olives Stuffed with Almonds from Italian manufacturer Bio Gaudiano has been linked to these illnesses.
Reports from the European health authorities indicate that samples of this product have tested positive for botulinum toxin, which causes botulism.
Symptoms
Botulism is a serious, potentially fatal illness caused by eating food contaminated with botulinum toxin. Although cases are rare, botulism attacks the nervous system, and in its severe forms, can cause respiratory failure.
Symptoms include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. Symptoms usually begin 18-36 hours after eating contaminated food, but they can occur as early as six hours or as late as 10 days.
The recall of this product includes all batches and all sizes of Bio Gaudiano brand Organic Olives Stuffed with Almonds, including those in glass jars and metal cans. Photos of the products are provided below.
According to information FDA has received from Pure Italian LLC, the U.S. distributor of this product, the product was initially distributed only to Massachusetts retailers.
