New Era Canning Company Recalls Mexican-style Chili Beans, Green Beans and Dark Red Kidney Beans

New Era Canning Company Announces New Recall of Certain Lots of Mexican-style Chili Beans, Green Beans and Dark Red Kidney Beans Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Linda Miller
1-800-282-9007 Ext 111

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- New Era, MI – January 8, 2008 --- New Era Canning Company of New Era, Michigan is announcing a new recall to include Mexican style chili beans, green beans, and dark red kidney beans that were shipped to food service and retail customers because a records review identified the possibility that a small number of cans from each lot may not have been adequately cooked.

New Era is recalling these products as a precautionary measure because cans of vegetables that have not been adequately cooked have the potential for the growth of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. Botulism can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. The incubation period can be 2 hours to 2 weeks; in most cases the symptoms appear after 12 to 24 hours.

This recall only affects a small number of cases from the products with the specific codes listed below:
GFS brand Fancy Mexican Style Chili Beans in 6 lb. 12 oz. cans, GFS Reorder #192015, UPC 9390119201. The recall is limited to 43 cases of product with 6 cans per case of lot number 00249 5AJ6LC with a 4 digit time stamp number ranging from 2113 through 2235 printed on the end of the can after the lot number (For example: 00249 5AJ6LC 2113). Only product bearing time stamps of 2113 through 2235 are included in the recall. The canned Mexican style chili beans were distributed to Gordon Food Service foodservice customers in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin and sold through GFS Marketplace stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan.

Kitchen brand Blue Lake Mixed Cuts Green Beans in 6 lb. 6 oz. cans. This recall is limited to 57 cases with 6 cans per case with lot number 00249 6FG5GA printed on the end of the can. (All cans of this lot are under recall). The canned green beans were not sold at retail, but were distributed to a Michigan restaurant by North Oakland Commodities.

Great Value brand Dark Red Kidney Beans in 15.5 oz. cans, UPC 7874237085. This recall is limited to 12 cases with 12 cans per case with lot number 00249 CKJ6LD printed on the end of the can. (All cans of this lot are under recall). This lot of canned dark red kidney beans was sold at Wal-Mart Stores in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.

We have been alerted that some of our cans may be missing the can codes. Any cans of these products without a code should not be opened or used, and should be disposed of as outlined below.

Neither New Era or the Food and Drug Administration are aware of any illnesses related to these products.
New Era Canning in conjunction with the US Food and Drug Administration and the Michigan Department of Agriculture is thoroughly evaluating all processes and procedures to determine the cause of the problem.

Any food that may be contaminated should be disposed of carefully. Even tiny amounts of toxins ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the eye or a break in the skin can cause serious illness. Skin contact should be avoided as much as possible, and the hands should be washed immediately after handling the food. Customers who have the product or any foods made with these products should throw them away immediately. Double bag the cans in plastic bags that are tightly closed, then place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home. Restaurants and institutions are encouraged to assure that such products are only placed in locked receptacles which are not accessible to the public. Additional instructions for safe disposal can be found at www.cdc.gov/botulism/botulism_faq.htm. Anyone with questions can call FDA at 1-888-SAFEFOOD.

Customers with questions may contact New Era Canning at 1-800-282-9007 Ext. 111.

tag: FDA, FDA Recall, New Era Canning Company Recall, Mexican-style Chili Beans Recall, Green Beans Recall, Dark Red Kidney Beans Recall, Clostridium botulinum, SAFEFOOD