A garlic recall impacting Tops Friendly Markets has expanded, with health officials warning the products could pose a potentially deadly risk if consumed.
The recall covers select peeled garlic products sold at Tops stores across New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont due to possible contamination with a bacterium that can cause botulism, a rare but serious illness.
According to federal health officials, the affected products may contain clostridium botulinum, which produces a toxin that attacks the nervous system and can lead to paralysis, breathing failure, and death if not treated quickly.
The issue was discovered during a routine store inspection, which found the garlic products were not kept at temperatures required to prevent the growth of the bacteria. The recall, first issued last week, was expanded on April 1 to include additional products and all code dates.
The recalled items include Christopher Ranch peeled garlic in 6-ounce plastic bags, as well as Garland Fresh peeled garlic sold in similar packaging under multiple UPC codes. Officials said consumers should not eat the products, even if they appear normal and show no signs of spoilage.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall so far.
Customers who purchased the affected garlic are urged to return it to Tops stores for a full refund. Questions can be directed to the company’s consumer affairs line.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.