Botulism Risk Tied to Baby Food

WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration here is warning consumers not to use certain jars of Earth Best Organic baby food due to the risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause botulism. Earth‘s Best is recalling its Wholesome Breakfast Apple Peach Barley 2nd Foods in 4.5-ounce jars with lot codes PF6J14 NP and the expiration date of Sept. 14, 2008. A small portion of these products had incorrect pH levels, indicating the possibility of contamination with Clostridium botulinum, according to Earth‘s Best. No illnesses have been reported to the FDA or the manufacturer in connection with this problem. Production of the product has been suspended as the FDA and the company work to determine the source of the problem. Botulism is a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.