Recalled Garlic Sold In NY Could Cause Fatal Foodborne Illness: What To Know

NEW YORK CITY — New Yorkers are being advised to avoid two peeled garlic products sold at Tops Friendly Markets.

The supermarket chain based in Williamsville, New York, is recalling all Christopher Ranch Peeled Garlic and Garland Peeled Garlic products because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum due to the product being kept at insufficient temperatures, according to a notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to consume the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

The bacterium can cause a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, and can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing.

The recalled products are:

• Christopher Ranch Peeled Garlic, 6 oz., packed in plastic bags with UPC 74574-10852 ,all product code dates
• Garland Fresh Peeled Garlic, 6 oz., packed in plastic bags with a UPCs of 71894-00000 and 68826-75340, all product code dates.

The product has also been distributed through Tops Markets in Pennsylvania and Vermont.

As of Thursday, there are no known illnesses related to the garlic.