The US company announced it had issued the voluntary recall of its Apple & Carrot Portable Pouch baby food due to the “risk of potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism, a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition”.
Blending error
The affected product is a batch of the 4.42 oz pouch with a 'best by' date of May 21, 2010, marked with the universal product code (UPC) #890180001221 on the bottom of the package. The company said the measure was a precautionary one.
Plum Organics raised the alarm after the tests revealed the formulation was incorrect in one batch. The problem was triggered by a mixing error which resulted in an improper blend of carrots and apples, said company founder Gigi Lee Chang.
"No illnesses have been reported in connection with this product and no other Plum Organics products are affected," said a company statement.
It added: “As a further precaution, samples from every Plum Organics product manufactured before and after this batch were tested and found to be within quality standards.”
Health Risk
The company urged consumers not to use the baby food even if it appeared normal because of the possible health risk. Symptoms of botulism poisoning in humans include general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing.
"The product did not meet the FDA guidelines for proper acidity level," said Dr Paul Gerhardt, a member of the Plum Organics action team.
Consumers who have purchased the affected products can return them for a full refund at any Toys-R-Us or Babies R Us store, said the California-based firm.