Health Department Warns Public Of Williams-Sonoma Sauce Recalled For Potential Botulism Risk

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — California Department of Public Health officials warned the public Friday of a potential botulism risk in a sauce sold at Williams-Sonoma retailers.

Director and State Health Officer Ron Chapman said consumers should not eat Pumpkin Seed Pesto Sauce sold by the retailer because it may have been improperly produced, which made it susceptible to contamination with the botulism toxin.

Authorities said the manufacturer, California Olive and Vine, LLC, voluntarily recalled the product after the CDPH determined it had been improperly processed.

The product has been sold nationwide at retail stores since September, authorities said.

The product was packaged in 8-ounce glass jars with screw-on metal lids, CDPH officials said.

The recalled product can be identified by looking for the stock keeping unit numbers 6404305 and 6389043.

Consumers who have had contact any of these products, or any foods made with these products, are urged to discard them immediately.

Health officials advised of double bagging the jars and placing them in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash while wearing gloves.

According to health officials, ingestion of the bacterium, clostridium botulinum, from improperly processed jarred and canned foods may lead to serious illness and even death.

According to the CDPH, botulism is a rare, but serious paralytic illness that includes symptoms of double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids and a dry or sore throat.

Officials recommended any consumers who have experienced ill effects after consuming this product should contact their healthcare provider.

Anyone who sees the product being offered for sale is urged to report the activity to the CDPH by calling (800) 495-3232.