Soul Cedar Farm of Quilcene, WA is voluntarily recalling all batches of shelf-stable Zesty Sweet Peppers because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxin, which can cause life- threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.
Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately contact a health care provider. At this time, there are no known illnesses associated with the recalled product.
The recall was initiated after routine sampling conducted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) revealed that one batch of Zesty Sweet Peppers had a pH level high enough to support formation of the Clostridium botulinum toxin. Soul Cedar Farm and WSDA continue to work jointly to address the source of the problem.
The recalled product was packaged in 8-ounce glass containers and was sold at retail stores in Quilcene and Port Townsend, WA.