In the most populous state of Australia, a popular brand of vegan milk was recalled after it was connected to a botulism case.
Inside Out Unsweetened Almond Milk has been recalled in New South Wales (NSW), according to food safety officials, "due to potential biotoxin contamination".
It happens after a person who consumed the product was hospitalized.
The toxin that causes botulism has been connected to serious illnesses that can be fatal.
The company that makes the vegan milk, Inside Out Nutritious Goods, told the BBC that it "takes any potential food contamination issue extremely seriously. ".
The company continued, "As soon as we were made aware of a potential contamination issue, we started a voluntary recall and have been giving the appropriate authorities every assistance.".
According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand, its one-liter unsweetened almond milk product, which had an expiration date of 1 March, was offered for sale at Woolworths-owned establishments.
The product should not be consumed by consumers. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund," it added.
A sample of Inside Out's product contained the botulinum toxin, which can lead to botulism, according to NSW's health ministry.
It claimed that after consuming the product, a person "experienced severe symptoms of botulism," leading to the discovery of the contamination. ".
The ministry continued, "The person was admitted to the hospital, where they are still being treated.".
Inadequately prepared sausages were where the botulinum toxin, which is produced by bacteria, was first identified in the 18th century. It was given the name botulus, which is Latin for sausage.
Although foodborne cases of botulism are extremely rare, Keira Glasgow, director of NSW Health's One Health division, said that its early symptoms include weakness, fatigue, and vertigo.
The paralysis of breathing muscles can be fatal, according to Ms. Glasgow. "These symptoms can progress to paralysis of the arm muscles and continue down the body to the trunk and legs.".
If diagnosed and treated promptly, the majority of cases recover. When a product is contaminated, symptoms of foodborne botulism can appear anywhere between a few hours and several days later, the expert continued.
