New Era Canning expands recall

Botulism concerns have spurred New Era Canning Co. to expand its previous product recall to all canned beans and garbanzo beans distributed nationwide by the company in the past five years.

The Kane County Health Department announced the expanded recall Friday night, saying there is the possibility of people contracting C. botulinum, which can cause botulism, a sometimes life-threatening condition.

The cans affected by the recall are large containers weighing about 6½ pounds.

The Michigan company had announced a recall in December for cans of green beans.

In this recall, the list includes cans of cut green beans, Mexican-style chili beans, dark red kidney beans, and garbanzo beans.

About 26 brands and 63 products were distributed to retailers, restaurants, schools, prisons and foodservice institutions nationwide under various labeled brands. But the brands might not be labeled as New Era, which is based in Michigan.

For more information, visit www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/newera.html

No illnesses have been reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Anyone with questions can call FDA at (888) SAFEFOOD (723-3366).

Customers can also call New Era Canning at (800) 282-9007 Ext. 111.