The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall for a number of Vivi & Tom baby and toddler foods due to the potential presence of dangerous bacteria.
The company, Vivi & Tom Inc., issued a statement on its website which indicates that the recall was issued because the jars of baby food do not explicitly state on a label that they require refrigeration or freezing.
If the food is not properly stored, there is a risk of Clostridium botulinum forming.
"The importance of refrigeration and/or freezing of our meals was provided via a handout, an email, or an in-person conversation, which we had believed to be the best way to advise customers of this. However, the CFIA requires that these products have a label affixed to the jar that states this requirement," Vivi & Tom Inc. said in its statement. "We have taken the steps necessary to remedy this situation by labelling all jars according to this bylaw, and apologize for any worry or inconvenience that this misinterpretation has caused."
The recall includes the following baby food products from Vivi & Tom that were sold between November 22, 2018 and February 14, 2019: Beef Meatballs, Broccoli Potato & Basil Purée, Beef & Squash Purée, Salmon & Mango Purée, Chicken & Parsnip Purée, Liver & Pear Purée, Sweet Potato Applesauce, Fish Cakes, Chicken Meatballs, Carrot Peach & Apricot Purée, Squash Bites.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with these products, according to the CFIA. However, a food safety investigation is being conducted, which may lead to the recall of other products.
"We respect the CFIA’s procedures and advise that if you do have any remaining food, please either discard it or arrange for us to pick it up from you, and we will arrange to replace the item or issue a refund," Vivi & Tom Inc. said.