3000 cases of 105-ounce canned pickled sliced beets have been voluntarily recalled by Lakeside Foods, Inc. of Manitowoc, Wisconsin due to a potential contamination with certain harmful organisms including Clostridium botulinum. The recall, announced yesterday, was issued because some cans of the company’s product may not have been fully processed, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

Lakeside is asking consumers who have cans of the Pickled Sliced Beets with the following code on the can to return them unopened to the place of purchase: EFBB229/003034 and EFBB229/003047.

The product was distributed in the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Additionally, the company reported that the product was sold under several different labels including: BOUNTIFUL HARVEST, CODE ELITE, COMSOURCE MEDAL, LAKESIDE, MONARCH, NUGGET BLACK, RESTAURANT PRIDE and SYSCO CLASSIC.

While no illnesses have been reported, it is important for consumers to be aware that the toxins produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, if ingested, can cause the potentially life-threatening illness, botulism. Symptoms of botulism may include general weakness, dizziness, double vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distention and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention. Consumers also are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

So far, no other Lakeside Foods products are affected by this recall. The company reports that it has identified and corrected the condition that resulted in its decision to voluntarily recall the cans in question. Lakeside Foods said that it is conducting the recall under the full knowledge of FDA.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-466-3834 Ext 4090. Code and label information will also be posted on their web site www.lakesidefoods.com.