Olives recalled over botulism concerns
The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) advises consumers not to eat Mediterranean Olives: Calcidica Sweet (Brand: Bel Frantoio) sold at any Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) stores.
OSJL is recalling the product after HEALTH staff discovered that thy were not handled appropriately to prevent production of the toxin that causes botulism.
Mediterranean Olives: Calcidica Sweet, produced by Bel Frantoio and packaged in 34-oz. plastic containers, were sold in OSJL stores in New York and throughout the Northeast (Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine).
Other olive products produced by Bel Frantoio that were sold at Ocean State Job Lot, do not currently pose a safety issue and the product sold elsewhere, where refrigerated, is safe to eat.
It is being recalled because it is labeled “Keep Refrigerated,” but was sold at room temperature, making it susceptible to contamination with Clostridium botulinum.