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.