International House of Caviar is recalling AKI brand Chum Salmon Caviar in Canada because it may contain botulinum toxin. The product may permit the growth of C. botulinum bacteria that produce that toxin. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue.
The recalled product is AKI Chum Salmon Caviar in 50 gram containers. The UPC number is 6 28451 22603 1 and the code on the product is L N16319.14 and best before 2017/11/17. It was sold in Alberta and British Columbia at the retail level.
If you bought this product, do not eat it. Throw it away in a sealed or double bagged package, or take it back to the retailer where you bought it and ask for a full refund.
This recall was triggered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s activities. Officials are conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products.
Foods contaminated with this bacteria and toxin do not look, smell, or taste any different but can make you very sick. A tiny amount of the toxin can kill.
Early symptoms of botulism food poisoning include difficulty swallowing, facial paralysis, unreactive or fixed pupils, difficulty swallowing, droopy eyelids, blurred or double vision, a change in the sound of the voice, hoarseness, and slurred speech. The paralysis will proceed downward through the body, eventually paralyzing the muscles.
There is an antidote for the botulism toxin, but it usually must be requested from the government. The toxin needs to be given to the patient early for best outcomes.
