HEALTH HAZARD ALERT

FERMENTED ACIDIFIED OLIVES MANUFACTURED BY CHARLIE BROWN DI RUTIGLIANO & FIGLI OF ITALY MAY CONTAIN DANGEROUS BACTERIA

OTTAWA, March 29, 2007 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume any fermented acidified olives described below because these olives may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. Toxins produced by this bacteria may cause botulism, a life-threatening illness.

All sizes, varieties, containers and codes of the fermented acidified olives manufactured by Charlie Brown di Rutigliano & Figli s.r.l. of Italy are affected by this alert.

These olives were distributed under the following brand names : Borrelli, Bonta di Puglia, Marcella's Garden, Saroli and Tre Monti. The name of the manufacturer does not appear on the label.

These brands of olives obtained from other countries or manufacturers are not affected by this alert.

Consumers who have purchased fermented acidified olives and are not sure of the brands should inquire at the store to verify if they have purchased the affected products.

These olives may have been distributed nationally.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these olives.

Food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with the toxin may cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, headache, double vision, dry throat, respiratory failure and paralysis. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

The CFIA is working with the importers to have the affected products removed from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on Clostridium botulinum, visit the Food Facts web page at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/cause/botulisme.shtml

For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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