Food safety specialists from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) warn consumers not to eat any soup products made by Souperb, located at 314 North 25th Street in Richmond. These products were improperly processed, making them susceptible to contamination with Clostridium botulinum. Ingestion of botulism toxin from improperly processed jarred and canned foods may lead to serious illness and death.
Souperb has issued a voluntary recall . Although there have been no reported cases of illness associated with these products, the risk is high enough that VDACS is issuing this consumer warning.
The soups are packaged in Mason-style glass jars with screw-on metal lids and have been sold at area farmers’ markets, retail stores and the store on North 25th Street. The jars are labeled with the Souperb name and may have an associated use by or best by date. The firm was made aware of the dangers associated with selling improperly processed foods of this type and is conducting a voluntary recall to remove the soups from points of sale.
Consumers who have any of these products or any foods made with these products should discard them immediately. They should double bag the jars in plastic bags and place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash. Those who don’t wear gloves when handling these products should wash their hands with soap and running water after handling.
Botulinum toxin is odorless and colorless. It is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The initial symptoms frequently experienced are double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids and dry or sore throat. Progressive descending paralysis, usually symmetrical, may follow. Infants with botulism appear lethargic, feed poorly, are constipated, and have a weak cry and poor muscle tone.
VDACS recommends that consumers experiencing any ill effects after consuming these products should consult their health care provider immediately.
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