FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat One Batch of Loyd Grossman Korma Sauce

This product may put consumers at risk for botulism

SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following Fast Facts are being released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090824/FDALOGO)

Fast Facts

• FDA is warning consumers not to eat Loyd Grossman Korma Sauce in 350 ml jars with the batch code 1218R and sell by date of February 2013.
• The distributor of this product, Premier Foods in England, is recalling this batch of Loyd Grossman Korma Sauce. This product has been linked to two cases of botulism in Scotland.
• There are no reported cases of illness related to this product in the United States.
• The product is not believed to be distributed in the United States, but consumers may have obtained it through internet sales.
• Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.Consumers should dispose of this product in a sealed container and place it in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home in a manner that ensures people and animals, including wild animals, cannot get to it.

What is the Problem?
The Food Standards Agency of the United Kingdom has reported two cases of botulism in Scotland. The consumption of Loyd Grossman Korma Sauce in 350 ml jars with the batch code 1218R and sell by date of February 2013 has been linked to these illnesses.

What are the Symptoms of Illness/Injury?
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.

Who is at Risk?
Anyone who eats food contaminated with botulinum toxin - whether adults or children - is at risk and can be affected.

What Do Consumers Need To Do?
Consumers should not eat Loyd Grossman Korma Sauce in 350 ml jars with the batch code 1218R and sell by date of February 2013. Consumers should dispose of this product in a sealed container and place it in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home in a manner that ensures people and animals, including wild animals, cannot get to it. Additional instructions for safe disposal can be found at www.cdc.gov/botulism/botulism_faq.htm. Consumers exhibiting any symptoms of botulism should see a health care provider immediately.

What Does the Product Look Like?
The recall of this product includes Loyd Grossman Korma Sauce in 350 ml glass jars with the batch code 1218R and sell by date of February 2013 printed on the neck of the jars as follows:

Feb 2013
1218R

A time code will be stamped below this information.

Where is it Distributed?
The FDA is not aware of U.S. distribution of Loyd Grossman Korma Sauce, but is issuing this consumer advisory out of an abundance of caution because the product is available to U.S. consumers through internet sales.

The information in this press release reflects the FDA's best effort to communicate what it has learned from the manufacturer and the state and local public health agencies involved in the investigation. The agency will update this page as more information becomes available.

For more information:

FoodSafety.gov on botulism:
http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/bacteriaviruses/botulism/index.html

CDC on botulism: http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/botulism/

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

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Media Inquiries: Siobhan DeLancey, 301-796-4668, [e-mail]
Trade Inquiries: Sebastian Cianci, 301-436-2291, [e-mail]
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration