Oklahoma City, OK -- In a news release issued yesterday, Plum Organics announced a national recall of some of its apple and carrot portable-pouch baby food. There is concern that the food has possible botulism contamination.

Nationwide children stores such as Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us carry the Plum Organics baby products, which the Food and Drug Administration said did not meet the proper acidity-level guidelines, therefore making the food vulnerable to contamination. Because of the possible health risks, anyone in possession of these food items should dispose of them right away.

Symptoms of botulism may include extreme fatigue, double vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, dry mouth and muscle weakness. Infants may appear sleepy, not hungry, constipated and may have poor muscle tone and a weak cry. If left untreated, symptoms can become increasingly worse and can include inability to move the arms, legs and trunk. Symptoms can begin in as little as six hours or as late as 10 days.

“If you suspect you or your child have symptoms of botulism, call your doctor immediately. If you have questions about botulism, call the poison center for more information,” said Lee McGoodwin, managing director of the Oklahoma Poison Control Center.

Pharmacists and registered nurses at the poison center are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call the Poison Help-line at (800) 222-1222. Do not e-mail the poison center or a member of the poison center staff, as poisoning emergencies are not handled through e-mail. The Oklahoma Poison Control Center is a program of the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy at the OU Health Sciences Center. For more information, please visit www.oklahomapoison.org