Consumers should avoid using some of the Earth’ Best Organic 2 Apple Peach Barley Wholesome Breakfast baby food because of its probably risks of contamination with bacterium that can cause botulism, a life-threatening disease or death which is according to an announcement made by US Food Administration on February 16, 2007.

Product Details and Recall Information

The affected products were sold in single individual jars and with different packs that has four jars of the apple peach barley in the pack. The food is part of the company’s “2^nd Vegetables, Fruits and Blend line for the babies 6 months and older. The food was distributed through retail stores and sold through the Earth’s Best official website. FDA also issued a press release for the particular UPC codes and cover numbers for the affected containers. Hain Celestial Food, the producer of the infected baby food, had distributed 4,072 cases of which there were 24 jars for every case and 38,298 different packs with the specified jars. Hain Celestial Food made the first step of recalling the affected products on February 9, 2007 and it still continues.

No Reports of Botulism or Related Illness

As of February 20,2007, there were no reported diseases to FDA or the manufacturer linking the products with this health problem.

Botulism is a potentially fatal type of food poisoning which can cause disease within 18 to 36 hours of exposure. The first indication of disease in infants is reduced frequency or the absence of stools. Other symptoms are poor feeding, weak suck, lethargy, listlessness, weak cry, reduced body tone, and disappearance of movement. Caregivers or people who are observing these problems should seek medical attention right away.

Advice for Consumers

Consumers are alerted to avoid using the affected jars of baby food, even if the food does not seem to appear or smell spoiled. If the consumers have any of the specified jars in their homes, they should refrain from using them and destroy them right away. Consumers who have some inquiries about the product or the recall may contact Hain Celestial Group through 1-800-434-4246.

The caregivers or individuals who are observing any rare health problems in babies or others who have been exposed with the affected product should seek medical attention immediately.