Organic baby food in latest food scare

In the latest food scare to hit the headlines the culprit this time is organic baby food.

Authorities in Singapore have ordered the recall of a baby food product by Earth's Best on the grounds that it may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism.

The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) in Singapore has ordered importers and retailers to remove Earth’s Best Organic 2 Apple Peach Barley Wholesome Breakfast baby food from the market following an alert from the United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that the baby food may be contaminated with the botulism bacteria.

The product recall is a precautionary measure by AVA as there have as yet been no reports of illnesses to either the FDA or the manufacturer.

Botulism is a potentially fatal form of food poisoning which causes illness within 18-36 hours of exposure.

Initial symptoms can include a decreased frequency or absence of stools, poor feeding, lethargy, weak cry and difficulty with swallowing and drooling from the mouth.

The product recall is a precautionary measure by AVA as there has been no illnesses reported to the FDA or the manufacturer to date.

Consumers are warned not to use this product even if it appears or smells fine and to destroy and discard the product immediately.

Earth's Best Organic 2 Apple Peach Barley Wholesome Breakfast baby food is intended for babies 6 months and older and is sold in single individual jars and in variety packs containing four jars which may include Apple Peach Barley along with other varieties.

The item, packings and identifications are:-

• Earth’s Best Organic 2 Apple Peach Barley Wholesome Breakfast (4.5 ounce jars)
  UPC Code 23923-20223, Lid PF6J14 NP, Expiration Date: EXP 14 SEP 08 A

• Earth's Best Organic 2 Wholesome Breakfast Variety Pack (12 pack), UPC Code
  23923-20295, Expiration Date: EXP 13 SEP 08

• Earth's Best Organic 2 Apple Peach Barley (4.5 ounce jars within 12 pack)
  UPC Code 23923-20223, Lid PF6J14 NP, Expiration Date: EXP 14 SEP 08 A

Production and distribution of the baby food has been suspended until the source is found.