Latest food scare in the U.S. - canned green beans

The latest food scare to hit North America again involves canned food; this time the culprit is green beans.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. certain brands of French-cut green beans may be contaminated with the toxin that causes botulism.

The contents are suspected of being undercooked and some cans may have some leaks, which would increase risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum.

Consumers are being warned not eat green beans manufactured by Lakeside Foods of Manitowoc, Wisconsin which come in 14.5 ounce cans.

The FDA says the beans may not have been processed adequately to eliminate the potential for botulinum toxin, may cause botulism if consumed.

Botulism can cause a life-threatening illness but to date the FDA says no illnesses had been reported due to consumption of the green beans.

Lakeside Foods has voluntarily recalled 15,000 cases of green beans because of the botulism scare and no botulinum toxin has been found in any cans tested so far.

This latest green bean warning, though reminiscent of a recall last month of chili sauce, canned meat products and dog food made by Castleberry's, is not say officials related.

That incidence resulted in four people becoming seriously ill with botulism poisoning.

The FDA says the affected Lakeside French-cut green beans are sold nationwide under the brands Albertson's, Happy Harvest, Best Choice, Food Club, Bogopa, Valu Time, Hill Country Fare, HEB, Laura Lynn, Kroger, No Name, North Pride, Shop N Save, Shoppers Valu, Schnucks, Cub Foods, Dierbergs, Flavorite, IGA, Best Choice and Thrifty Maid.

They carry the following codes:

EAA5247, EAA5257, EAA5267, EAA5277, EAB5247, EAB5257, ECA5207, ECA5217, ECA5227, ECA5297, ECB5207, ECB5217, ECB5227, ECB5307.

The FDA says consumers should dispose of these immediately.

Botulism symptoms include dizziness, double vision, dropping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness.

Victims can be paralyzed and risk death from the illness.

People with such symptoms who may have eaten the recalled green beans should seek immediate medical attention.

Consumers may call the company at 1-800 466-3834 ext. 4090 regarding concerns about the recall.