Recall: Bel Frantoio Mediterranean Olives: Calcidica Sweet

PROVIDENCE, R.I., July 3 (UPI) —

The Rhode Island Department of Health advises consumers not to eat Bel Frantoio Mediterranean Olives: Calcidica Sweet sold at any Ocean State Job Lot stores.

Ocean State Job Lot is voluntarily recalling the product after state health officials discovered the products were not handled appropriately to prevent production of the toxin that causes botulism.

Mediterranean Olives: Calcidica Sweet, produced by Bel Frantoio and packaged in 34-oz. plastic containers, were sold in Ocean State Job Lot stores in New York and throughout the Northeast in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.

This product is being voluntarily recalled because it is labeled "Keep Refrigerated" but was sold at room temperature, making it susceptible to contamination with Clostridium botulinum.

Other olive products produced by Bel Frantoio that were sold at Ocean State Job Lot, as well as other brands of olives, do not currently pose a safety issue. This recall applies only to this product sold at Ocean State Job Lot.

This product sold elsewhere, where refrigerated, is safe for consumption, health officials said.

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

No illnesses associated with this recall have been reported at this time, state officials said.

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.