FDA Alerts Consumers About Contaminated Olives

The FDA has issued an urgent warning concerning the contamination of olives manufactured by Charlie Brown di Rutigliano & Figli S.r.l, of Bari, Italy and are being recalled by the manufacturer.  The olives may be contaminated with the deadly Clostridium botulinum. C. botulinum can cause botulism, a potentially fatal illness.  The olives are sold under the following brands: 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.