February 5, 2008

LANSING - The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) today warned consumers to check their cupboards for Olivier brand Parmesan & Asiago Dip with Garlic & Basil because of the possibility of contamination with Clostridium botulinum. Olivier brand Parmesan & Asiago Dip with Garlic & Basil is manufactured by Olivier Olive Oil Products, Inc. of St. Helena, California, which has initiated a voluntary recall of the product.

Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Symptoms of botulism include: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention. There have been no reported illnesses.

The product was distributed to William-Sonoma retail stores nationwide and to Olivier Napa Valley retail stores located in Truckee and
St. Helena, California. Olivier Parmesan & Asiago Dip with Garlic & Basil labeled with the following lot codes are affected by the recall:
OPA 34171; OPA 23471; OAP 17271; OAP 17671; OAP 36061; OAP 36161; OPA 33961.

The recalled product is packaged in an 11.76 ounce jar. The lot code information is located on the side of the glass jar where there is no label. Photos of the product are available at www.cdph.ca.gov.

MDA, in cooperation with its federal food safety and industry partners, is conducting recall audits checks ensuring potentially contaminated product is removed from store shelves and disposed of appropriately.

Even tiny amounts of the Clostridium botulinum toxin can cause serious illness when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the eye or a break in the skin. Skin contact should be avoided as much as possible, and hands should be washed immediately after handling the food.

When disposing of these products, double-bag the product in plastic bags. Make sure the bags are tightly closed, then place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home. Retailers should ensure that such products are only placed in locked receptacles that are not accessible to the public.

Consumers who find Olivier Parmesan & Asiago Dip with Garlic & Basil with the affected lot numbers for sale are encouraged to call MDA’s toll-free food safety hotline at 800-292-3939.