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HEALTH HAZARD ALERT

FLOWER SHITAKE MUSHROOMS FROM CHINA MAY CONTAIN DANGEROUS BACTERIA

OTTAWA, March 3, 2005 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume Flower Shitake Mushrooms from China because the product may be contaminated with the bacteria responsible for botulism, a food-borne illness in humans.

The affected product, Flower Shitake Mushrooms, packaged by Fu Jian Ningde (Shenzhen) Yongjia Tradb Co., ltd, China, is sold in a vacuum type - package bearing UPC 6 916119 752065. The affected product does not contain lot codes or Best Before dating.

The affected product is being voluntarily recalled from the marketplace. This product has been distributed in British Columbia.

Botulism is a life-threatening illness caused by the build-up of toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Food contaminated with C. botulinum may not look or smell spoiled. The product should not be consumed by humans or animals. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time - Monday to Friday.

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

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