Kraft Heinz says C. botullinum—the bacterium responsible for botulism— may be able to grow after product separation
The Kraft-Heinz Company announced that it is voluntarily recalling about 7,000 cases of Taco Bell Salsa con Queso Mild Cheese Dip. The company says the product is separating, creating a situation where Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) can grow, causing a potential health hazard. Clostridium botulinum is the bacteria that causes botulism.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Botulism is a life-threatening disease caused by the ingestion of a potent neurotoxin produced during growth of the C. botulinum bacteria. This neurotoxin is among the most toxic substances known; even microscopic amounts can cause illness or death. In the past, botulism was linked primarily to home-canned foods. In recent decades, however, botulism illnesses have been linked to foods such as unrefrigerated homemade salsa, baked potatoes sealed in aluminum foil, honey (the primary cause of botulism in infants), garlic in oil, and traditionally prepared salted or fermented fish.”
Kraft Heinz has instructed consumers to return the product, even if does not appear spoiled or smell bad. Although there have been no reports or illness or death, the following are recalled:
- A 5-ounce glass jar of Taco Bell Con Queso Mild Cheese Dip with an individual best used by date of “27 DEC 2018” and “23 JAN 2019” and individual package UPC of 021000024490. (Case best used by date of of 27 DEC 2018” and “23 JAN 2019” and case UPC of 2100002449.)
- A 15-ounce glass jar of Taco Bell Con Queso Mild Cheese Dip with an individual best used by date of “23 JAN 2019” and an individual package UPC of 021000024490. (Case best used by date of “23 JAN 2019” and case UPC of 21000066900.)
“No other sizes, varieties or ‘code dates of’ are included in this recall,” said the company in a statement. “We deeply regret this situation and apologize to any consumers we have disappointed.” Those who have purchased the product can return it to the store or origin for a refund. Any questions can be directed to Kraft-Heinz at the recall phone number Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. E.D.T., and also to obtain a full refund.
Here is the Kraft-Heinz (product) recall phone number: 1-800-310-3704.
For more about the publisher of this restaurant news site, navigate here.
Source: Business Wire. This recall pertains only to the products listed, based on a Kraft-Heinz statement dated July 24, 2018.