The BC Centre for Disease Control is warning the public not to eat watermelon jelly prepared by Jamnation Fine Foods that were sold in 120 ml-sized jars.
The jelly was sold at charity booths in various locations in B.C. during 2010. This product may be contaminated with clostridium botulinum. Toxins produced by this bacterium may cause botulism,
a life-threatening illness.
Dr. Eleni Galanis, Physician Epidemiologist with the Centre for Disease Control, said "Botulism is a
serious illness, and it is critical that anyone who purchased this item discard it immediately."
"The signs and symptoms of botulism cover a wide spectrum. Symptoms can begin anywhere from six hours to one week after someone has eaten food containing the toxin," said Galanis .
Symptoms may include blurred vision, slurred speech, and difficulty in swallowing as well as muscle paralysis that moves progressively down the body, affecting the arms first, then the legs.
Botulism can also trigger paralysis of the breathing muscles, which can result in death unless
assistance with breathing is provided.
