2 Brands Of Soup Sold At Farmers Markets May Contain Bacteria Causing Botulism

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Two brands of soup sold only at local farmers markets may have been improperly produced, exposing consumers to botulism.

Dr. Ron Chapman, of the state's Department of Public Health, says no illnesses have been linked to any of the affected products at this time.

Malibu-based One Gun Ranch manufactured one of the brands of soups, which were only sold at the Pacific Palisades Farmers Market on May 13 and June 3. The affected soups include: Campfire Kitchen Cauliflower Soup, Heirloom Tomato Fennel Gaspacho Soup, Sequoia's Skinny Spiced Coconut, Parsnip and Turmeric Soup, Ossian's Pumpkin Stew and Freddy's Firegrilled Meatballs, all sold in 16-ounce glass jars with screw-on metal lids.

Santa Barbara-based Organic Soup Kitchen manufactured the following soups: Fire Roasted Yam, Curried Potato Leek, Curry Lentil Bisque, Tomato Bean and Wild Herb and Mediterranean Chipotle Chili, which were packaged in one-quart glass jars with screw-on metal lids. These soups were sold at the Calabasas and Studio City Farmers markets on June 6 of last year and on May 6.

Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum. Symptoms include slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, inability of the neck muscles to support the head and paralysis of the extremities and respiratory muscles can occur. Infants with botulism will appear lethargic, be constipated, have a weak cry and poor muscle tone.

Anyone who purchased the affected soups was advised to throw them away immediately and thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.