FDA Warns Consumers of Botulism Risk from Canned French Cut Green Beans

Chrissie Cole

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Lakeside Foods Inc. is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to voluntarily recall 15,000 cases of French Cut Green Beans in 14.5 ounce cans, because they may not have been processed properly to eliminate the botulism toxin.

If consumed, the canned green beans can cause botulism. The FDA advises consumers of the possible risk of serious illness from ingesting these products. No reports of illness have been received to date.

The botulism toxin is very potent and botulism is a life-threatening illness. Botulism symptoms can begin as soon as six hours to as long as two weeks after eating foods contaminated with the toxin. Some symptoms may include blurred vision, double vision, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth and more. Botulism can cause paralysis of the breathing muscles that can be fatal in some cases.

The affected Lakeside cut green beans are sold nationwide under the following 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. The specific codes (top line of can code) involved are: EAA5247, EAA5257, EAA5267, EAA5277, EAB5247, EAB5257, ECA5207, ECA5217, ECA5227, ECA5297, ECB5207, ECB5217, ECB5227, ECB5307.

Consumers that may have these products should discard them immediately. If date codes are missing or unreadable, consumers should throw the product away as a precaution.