The Nation - News from March 7, 1989

The government warned consumers some chopped garlic-and-oil mixes may pose a risk for potentially fatal botulism food poisoning if not refrigerated. Citing a recent incident in New York in which three people got botulism from eating garlic bread, the Food and Drug Administration emphasized garlic-and-oil mixes containing little or no acidfying agent, such as cotric or phosphoric acid, should be kept in the refrigerator. Two men and a woman from Kingston, N.Y., were hospitalized Feb. 19 with botulism after eating bread spread with a garlic-and-oil mix. A preliminary investigation by state officials implicated “Colavita Chopped Garlic in Extra Virgin Olive Oil,� which investigators say may have been stored at room temperature even though it was labeled “Keep Refrigerated.� Colavita Pasta & Oil Co., of Newark, N.J., has recalled the product, even though distribution of the line has been discontinued, officials said.