According to press reports, the Food and Drug Administration has issued its most serious recall for peeled garlic sold in New York, Vermont and Pennsylvania over a potential botulism risk.
The Class I recall is for Christopher Ranch Garlic, sold in 6-ounce containers at Tops stores in those states, according to a March 27 announcement from the supermarket chain.
“Eating the food may cause health problems or even death,” the store notice warned.
The FDA’s Class I recall is for a Christopher Ranch peeled garlic that was stored at the wrong temperatures.
The garlic was improperly stored in open-air coolers when it should be stored at temps between 32 and 37 degrees — allowing a potential for botulism growth, according to the notice.
The affected garlic contains the UPC codes 00068826753408 and 00071894000005, and all best-by dates are affected.
Tops grocery stores will issue a refund for the affected products with valid proof of purchase.