San Clemente-Based Food Stand Recalls Products Linked To Botulism Cases

SAN CLEMENTE (CBSLA.com) — Health officials Friday warned customers of a Orange County food stand to throw out any jarred food products that may be linked to botulism.

KNX 1070's Mike Landa reports the warning comes after two visitors from Ohio who bought food at the VR Green Farms stand at 200 Avenida La Pata in San Clemente became ill, according to Deanne Thompson of the Orange County Health Care Agency.

Department of Health officials in Ohio eventually traced the tainted food back to San Clemente.

VR Green Farms has issued voluntary recalls for its Pine Nut Basil Pesto, Pickled Farm Mix, Old World Tomato Sauce, Sundried Tomatoes in Olive Oil, Tuscan Grilling Sauce and Pasta Sauce products, Thompson said.

The food was being sold in Mason-style glass jars with screw-on metal lids and has a VR Green Farms label, Thompson added. Some products have also been sold online.

"Because it's local and we assume most of their clients are local, we really need for Orange County residents to be aware that if they have the products, they have to get rid of them," said Thompson.

Anyone in possession of the affected products should double bag the food in plastic bags and thrown them in a trash can for non-recyclable goods, Thompson said. When doing so, put on gloves and be sure to wash hands with soap and water afterward, Thompson said.

While botulism is rare, it can be serious enough to cause death. Initial symptoms include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids and dry or sore throat. Paralysis may follow.

Anyone who observes the product being offered for sale is asked to report the activity to the California Department of Public Health at (800) 495-3232.

Click here for a full list of affected VR Green Farms products.