If you have young children, check your pantry closely for recalled baby food that might contain dangerous bacteria.
Loblaw Companies has recalled almost three dozen flavours of PC Organics strained baby food pouches because of a risk they could lead to botulism.
The company says a manufacturing error led to too much water in the product, and that can support the growth of C. botulinum.
While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says there have been reported illnesses that might be related, Loblaw says botulism has not been confirmed and they are recalling the products out of precaution.
The products were sold at the following locations on or before February 8, 2017.
Fortinos®, Loblaws®, No Frills®, Real Canadian Superstore®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club®, valu-mart®, Your Independent Grocer®, Zehrs®, Shoppers Drug Mart®, and affiliated independent stores.
Dr. Brett Belchetz, an ER physician, says parents should be "quite concerned, but not alarmed."
Don't panic if your child has consumed the product and doesn't show any symptoms, because botulism is rare.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, blurred or double vision, dry mouth, respiratory failure and paralysis. In severe cases, botulism can lead to death.
Dr. Belchetz says if your child has consumed the product, watch them closely. If you notice your child is all of a sudden struggling with doing something they are normally able to do, like hold up their head, lift an arm, crawl, it is a sign that your child needs to be checked on immediately and you should go to the hospital.
If you have the product at home, he says you should throw it out because you cannot see or smell the bacteria. Loblaw says you can also return it for a refund.
| BRAND | NAME | SIZE | CODE ON PRODUCT | UPC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC Organics | Apple, Blueberry & Green Pea strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 06292 7 |
| PC Organics | Apple Crisp Muffin flavour puree snack | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 13730 4 |
| PC Organics | Apple, Carrot, Apricot & Millet strained baby Food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 06996 |
| PC Organics | Banana, Sweet Potato & Blueberry strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 05362 |
| PC Organics | Apple strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 02840 4 |
| PC Organics | Apple, Banana & Blueberry with Yogurt strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 04491 |
| PC Organics | Apple, Banana & Strawberry with Yogurt strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 04488 |
| PC Organics | Apple Cherry strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 02843 |
| PC Organics | Sweet Potato, Apple and Mango strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 06294 |
| PC Organics | Peach Maple Cobbler Flavour puree snack | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 13732 8 |
| PC Organics | Banana Apple & Carrot strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 05363 |
| PC Organics | Pumpkin, Apple, Peach & Buckwheat strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 06995 |
| PC Organics | Prune, Apple, Butternut Squash & Quinoa strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 06994 |
| PC Organics | Pear strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 02842 |
| PC Organics | Mango, Apple, Carrot & Peach strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 05369 |
| PC Organics | Blackberry Cobbler Flavour puree snack | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 13731 1 |
| PC Organics | Banana & Kiwi strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 02846 6 |
| PC Organics | Mango strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 02841 1 |
| PC Organics | Banana & Raspberry strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 05480 9 |
| PC Organics | Banana, Apple, Apricot & Rice strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 05368 |
| PC Organics | Banana Bread Flavour puree snack | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 13589 8 |
| PC Organics | Pear, Apple and Broccoli strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 06291 |
| PC Organics | Sweet Potato, Banana & Apricot strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 05366 |
| PC Organics | Tropical Twist Smoothie with Greek Yogurt puree snack | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 15430 1 |
| PC Organics | Banana, Mango & Apple with Yogurt strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 04489 |
| PC Organics | Orange Twist Smoothie with Greek Yogurt puree snack | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 15431 8 |
| PC Organics | Prunes strained baby food | 128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 16963 3 |
| PC Organics | Apple, Banana & Strawberry with Yogurt strained baby food | 6x128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 18427 8 |
| PC Organics | Sweet Potato, Apple and Mango strained baby food | 6x128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 18429 2 |
| PC Organics | Banana Apple & Carrot strained baby food | 6x128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 18428 5 |
| PC Organics | Mango strained baby food | 6x128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 18430 8 |
| PC Organics | Pear, Apple and Broccoli strained baby food | 6x128 mL | All codes | 0 60383 18426 1 |