Government testing has shown the potential for the growth of Clostridium botulinum in certain fish products, causing Fresh 7 Baskets Limited to recall Aqua Okeano brand and Aqua Okeano/Seven Baskets brand products.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. The CFIA recall notice says no illnesses have been reported in relation to the implicated products. 

Fresh 7 Baskets Limited reported distributing the recalled products in the Canadian provinces of ontario and Quebec. There may also have been nationwide distribution, but that had not been confirmed as of the posting of the recall notice.

“Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store wher they were purchased,” according to the recall notice.

“Food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick.”

Botulism paralyzes muscles, including respiratory muscles, causing a very high percentage of patients to be placed on breathing machines.

Symptoms in adults can include facial paralysis or loss of facial expression, unreactive or fixed pupils, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, blurred or double vision, difficulty speaking or including slurred speech, and a change in the sound of the voice, including hoarseness.

Symptoms of foodborne botulism in children can include difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, generalized weakness, and paralysis. In all cases, botulism does not cause a fever. In severe cases of illness, people may die.