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HEALTH HAZARD ALERT

SAROLI BRAND GREEN BELLA DI CERIGNOLA OLIVES MAY CONTAIN DANGEROUS BACTERIA

OTTAWA, December 1, 2006 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Mario Saroli Sales Inc. are warning the public not to consume Saroli brand Green Bella di Cerignola Olives described below because the product may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. Toxins produced by this bacteria may cause botulism, a life-threatening illness.

The Saroli brand Green Bella di Cerignola Olives, a product of Italy, is sold in 1 litre containers bearing UPC 7 79390 00404 1 and the lot code 075/6. The affected product has been distributed in Ontario.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with the toxin may cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, headache, double vision, dry throat, respiratory failure and paralysis. In severe cases of illness, people may die.

The importer, Mario Saroli Sales Inc., Vaughan, Ontario, is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry may call one of the following numbers:

Mario Saroli Sales Inc. at 905-265-2227

CFIA at 1-800-442-2342, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time, Monday to Friday.

For information on Clostridium botulinum, visit the Food Facts web page at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/causee.shtml

For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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