Canned Beans Recalled

HARTFORD — Department of Consumer Protection food inspectors, in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration, are checking stores statewide to ensure that green beans, chili beans, and garbanzo beans canned by New Era Canning Company of New Era, Mich., are removed from sale, Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr, announced this week. The action is a direct response to New Era’s expanded recall for concerns related to potential Clostridium botulinum (botulism) contamination.

“This is an expanded recall, affecting all green beans produced by New Era, in addition to some chili beans and garbanzo beans,” Mr Farrell said. “New Era produces canned products under other brand names and labels. Therefore, the recalled products may not necessarily be labeled with New Era’s name. Also, the cans may bear a variety of product codes or no codes at all. Regardless of brand name or label, or the presence or absence of a code, the recalled cans should not be opened or used, and should be disposed of as described below. Consumers who are not sure if a product is subject to the recall should still throw it out as a precaution.”

The recalled products are large institutional-sized cans of green beans, cut green beans, Blue Lake green beans, Mexican Style chili beans, red kidney beans, and garbanzo beans (chick peas), weighing approximately six and a half pounds. These may be sold to consumers in warehouse stores in the state.

Brands include several by Bunny brand, Classic Sysco, Goodtaste, Kitchen brand, and Monarch, as well as others. For specific codes and all brands of beans that are subject to this recall, consumers and retailers should visit fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/newera.html.

C. botulinum can cause botulism, a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. To date, no illnesses have been reported; however, consumers should not consume these products, even if they appear to be normal, because of the potential serious risk to health. Consumers who have the affected products or who have used them in recipes should immediately throw the cans and food away.

Any food that may contain the recalled canned beans should be disposed of carefully. Even tiny amounts of the C. botulinum toxin can cause serious illness when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the eye or a break in the skin. Skin contact should be avoided as much as possible, and hands should be washed immediately after handling the food.

When disposing of these products, double-bag the cans in plastic bags. Make sure the bags are tightly closed, then place in a trash receptacle for nonrecyclable trash outside of the home. Restaurants and institutions should ensure that such products are only placed in locked receptacles that are not accessible to the public. Additional instructions for safe disposal may be found at cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/botulism.htm.

Anyone with questions may call FDA at 888-SAFEFOOD or the Department of Consumer Protection at 860-713-6160.