FDA Issues "Urgent" Warning on Olives

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is "urgently warning" consumers about health risks posed by potentially contaminated olives produced by Charlie Brown di Rutigliano & Figli S.r.l, of Bari, Italy. The olives may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause botulism, a potentially fatal illness. The olives were recalled by the manufacturer on March 27.

The recalled olives are sold under the following brands: Borrelli, Bonta di Puglia, Cento, Corrado's, Dal Raccolto, Flora, Roland and Vantia, and have codes that start with the letter "G" and are followed by 3 or 4 digits. All sizes of cans, glass jars and pouches of Cerignola, Nocerella and Castelvetrano type olives are affected.

Symptoms of botulism include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, trouble with speaking or swallowing, difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation. People experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

• Read the FDA Warning
• FindLaw's Accident & Injury Center: Food Poisoning
• FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition