NEW ERA RECALLS GREEN BEANS AND GARBANZO BEANS NATIONWIDE - US Fed News Service, Including US State News

The Wyoming Department of Agriculture issued the following news release:

The Consumer Health Services Division of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture is urging consumers to check their cupboards for cans of green beans and garbanzo beans that are a part of a national recall.

New Era Canning Company of New Era, Michigan has voluntarily recalled all cans of green beans and garbanzo beans in #10 cans (large cans containing between six and seven pounds).

Although these products have not been linked to any illnesses, they may have been processed under conditions which could have led to contamination by Clostridium botulinum bacterium spores, which can cause life-threatening illness or death.

The codes on the affected product begin with the numbers '00249,' or the letters 'GREEN' or 'GARB'. The issues were uncovered in a FDA inspection of products. None of the products have tested positive for the toxin.

Although the products have been removed from retail stores in Wyoming, health officials want to make sure that products do not remain on the shelves in homes or food service operations.

'In addition to consumers, it is especially important for retailers, food banks, charitable organizations, child care facilities and other food service operations to be aware of the recall,' said Dean Finkenbinder, Manager of the Consumer Health Services Division.

Clostridium botulinum bacterium spores have the potential for growth that produces a toxin that causes a potentially fatal form of food poisoning - botulism. Symptoms of botulism poisoning can begin from 6 hours to 2 weeks after eating food that contains the toxin and include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and trouble speaking or swallowing. Difficulty breathing, drooping eyelids, muscle weakness, abdominal distension and constipation are also common symptoms. Botulism poisoning can result in death unless medical assistance is provided.

Individuals who feel ill after handling or accidentally consuming any of the recalled products should seek immediate medical attention.

The following product labels are affected:

* Bunny brand, Distributed by Bunn Capitol Company, Springfield, IL

* Classic Sysco brand, Distributed by Sysco Corporation, Houston, TX

* Code brand, Distributed by Code, Atlanta, GA

* ComSource brand, Distributed by ComSource, Atlanta, GA

* ComSource Medallion Premium Quality brand, Distributedby ComSource, Atlanta, GA

* ComSource Merit Excellence Food Service brand, Distributed by ComSource, Inc., Atlanta, GA

* ComSource Traditional brand, Distributed by ComSource, Atlanta, GA

* Frosty Acres Restaurant's Pride Preferred brand, Packed for F.A.B., Inc., Alpharetta, GA

* GFS brand, Distributed by Gordon Food Service, Grand Rapids, MI

* Goodtaste brand, Distributed by New Era Canning in New Era, MI

* Harvest Value brand, Distributed by U.S. Food Service, Columbia, MD

* Kitchen brand, Distributed by Potato Products, Detroit, MI

* Kitchen Essentials brand, Distributed by Gordon Food Service, Grand Rapids, MI

* Monarch brand, Distributed by Reid, Murdoch & Co., Columbia, MD

* Monarch Premium brand, Packed for PYA/Monarch, Inc., Greenville, SC

* Mount Stirling brand, Distributed by Pocahontas Foods USA, Richmond, VA

* Necco Brand, Packed by New Era Canning Company, New Era, MI

* New Era brand, Distributed by New Era Canning Co., New Era, MI

* Nugget brand, Distributed by Nugget, Atlanta, GA

* Pocahontas brand, Distributed by Pocahontas Foods USA, Richmond, VA

* Reliance Sysco, Distributed by Sysco Corporation, Houston, TX

* Sysco brand, Distributed by Sysco corporation, Houston, TX

* US brand, Distributed by U.S. FoodService, Columbia, MD

* USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, Special Nutrition Programs, Alexandria, VA label

For specific brands and codes of green beans and garbanzo beans that are subject to this recall, consumers and retailers can access the following link: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/newera.html.

Recalled products should be disposed of immediately. Consumers who have the product or any foods made with these products should double bag the products in plastic bags that are tightly closed, then place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside the home. Restaurants and other institutions are encouraged to ensure that such products are only placed in locked receptacles which are not accessible to the public. More information about safe disposal is available at http://www.cdc.gov/botulism/botulism_faq.htm.

Consumers with questions may contact New Era Canning at 1-800-282-9007, ext. 111.

Consumers may also contact the Wyoming Department of Agriculture at (307) 777-7211.