The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to purchase or consume various canned soups imported from Canada because they have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are not to use the products even if they do not look or smell spoiled. Les Produits Freddy Inc. (St-Hyacinthe, Quebec), a Canadian firm, has begun a voluntary recall of the products. FDA is taking this action as a result of the Canadian government's evaluation.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: 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.

All lots on the market are under recall. However, the volume of the product's distribution is not known at this time. The soups were distributed nationwide to retail stores. They were distributed to the following stores but may have been distributed elsewhere as well. The Stop & Shop brand soups were sold at Stop & Shop Stores throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island and at Edwards Stores in New Jersey and New York.

The Tasty Classics brand soups were sold at Hy-Vee Food and Drug Stores in Minnesota, South Dakota, Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri; in Fareway Stores in Iowa and Illinois; and in Canned Foods Grocery Outlets stores in California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii.

The Wegmans brand soups were sold at Wegmans Stores in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

The Baron brand soups were sold nationwide at various grocery stores.

The soups, manufactured by Les Produits Freddy, Inc., are sold in 10 3/4 fl.oz. cans. All codes are affected by this recall. They can be identified by the following brand names (may not be inclusive):

l        Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
Wegmans brand Cream of Mushroom Condensed Soup
Stop & Shop brand Condensed Soup Cream of Mushroom
Tasty Classics brand Cream of Mushroom Condensed Soup
Baron Brand Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup

l         Cream of Chicken Soup
Wegmans brand Cream of Chicken Condensed Soup
Stop & Shop brand Condensed Soup Cream of Chicken
Tasty Classics brand Cream of Chicken Condensed Soup
Baron Brand Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup

No illnesses have been reported to date.

FDA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are continuing to investigate this matter.

Consumers who have purchased any of the above products should not eat them, but instead return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Those who have consumed these products and have experienced symptoms of botulism should seek medical attention. Consumers with questions may contact the manufacturer, Les Produits Freddy Inc., at 1-888-797-3210.