Olives Sold at Job Lot Pulled over Botulism Fears

If you bought Bel Frantoio olives from Job Lot, pay attention.

Certain packages of the olives, which were sold at Ocean State Job Lot stores throughout New England, have been recalled after the products "were not handled appropriately to prevent production of the toxin that causes botulism," the state Department of Health said in a release.The olives are labeled "Mediterranean Olives: Calcidica Sweet" and were packaged in 34-ounce plastic containers. The products were labeled "keep refrigerated  but were sold at room temperature, the Health Department said.

Other Bel Frantoio products sold at Job Lot and other brands of olives do not pose a safety issue. 

The same exact product sold at other stores, as long as it was kept refrigerated  poses no health risk, the Health Department said.

Ingestion of botulinum toxin from improperly stored foods can lead to serious illness and death.

Anyone who has eaten this product and has experienced abdominal cramps; difficulty breathing, speaking or swallowing; double vision; muscle weakness; muscle aches; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; or fever should contact their healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and treatment. The young, elderly, immune-compromised, and pregnant women are especially susceptible to foodborne illness.

No illnesses associated with this recall have been reported at this time.

Consumers should discard this product or return it the store for a refund. For more information, contact the Ocean State Job Lot Customer Service Center at (401) 295-2672, Option 6.