Plaintiffs' Personal Injury Law Firm

Baby Food Recalled Due to Potential Botulism Poisoning

October 19, 2009

Plum Organics^TM has voluntarily recalled its Apple & Carrot Baby Food in Portable Pouches. The recall involves a particular batch of Plum Organics 4.22oz. Apple & Carrot Portable Pouch baby food with the best by date May 21, 2010 and marked with the following UPC #890180001221 located on the bottom of the package. These pouches are sold individually at Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us locations nationally. No illnesses have been reported in connection with this product and no other Plum Organics products are affected.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website has posted a Plum Organics press release that states the recall was undertaken as a precaution due to the risk of potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism, a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. It advises consumers should not use these products, even if they appear to be normal, because of the possible health risk. "The product did not meet the FDA guidelines for proper acidity level," said Dr. Paul Gerhardt, a Food Science Ph.D. and member of the Plum Organics action team. "Though the risk of illness from this one batch is minimal, Plum Organics is taking the extraordinary step of recalling all Apple & Carrot Baby Food Pouches with best by date May 21, 2010."

The FDA website says food borne botulism symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating a contaminated food, but they can occur as early as 6 hours or as late as 10 days. The classic symptoms of botulism include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. Infants with botulism appear lethargic, feed poorly, are constipated, and have a weak cry and poor muscle tone. These are all symptoms of the muscle paralysis caused by the bacterial toxin. If untreated, these symptoms may progress to cause paralysis of the arms, legs, trunk and respiratory muscles.

Plum Organics of Emeryvillle, CA is a manufacturer of organic food products for children. Gigi Lee Chang, who founded the company, is a New York City mom who started making food for her son because she was dissatisfied with the choices of commercially made baby food.

"As a mother, the safety and satisfaction of our customers and their children is my highest concern," said Gigi Lee Chang. "Due to a mixing error during production, one batch of this product was improperly blended. As a result, it did not meet our company's standard for quality. We are taking the extra step of recalling all Apple & Carrot Portable Pouches with this date to eliminate any question in the minds of consumers about the safety of our products. Plum Organics was founded on the vision of superior quality and nutritious baby food; we are committed to these values and our consumers."

In a letter released today on the Plum Organics website, the company states it investigated when a routine test determined the formulation was incorrect and that Plum Organics has, "confirmed that a mixing error was to blame which resulted in an improper blend of carrots and apples." The letter does not say the recall is due to possible contamination, nor does it warn of illness that may result from consumption of the product. The Toys-R-Us website does not list Plum Organics^TM Apple & Carrot Baby Food in Portable Pouches in its list of recalled products.

When a product causes serious injury or death, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling product liability cases. Products liability is the branch of law that deals with the liability of parties involved in the manufacturing of a product for any damages caused by the product. Call Napoli Bern Ripka LLP today at 888-529-4669 to discuss your case and determine if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.