Vancouver Coastal Health is warning customers about a sauce being prepared out of a home in Richmond, which could cause botulism.

Image/qimono
Image/qimono

Betty’s King Sauce is considered unsafe because of the potential to grow Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Sales have been online from various social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook) and through a public website dating back to 2014. Customers are being advised to discard the product.

Inspectors discovered that the product is being produced in a person’s home in Richmond, which is not an approved and inspected facility, and the ingredients and processing method could allow for the growth of the harmful bacteria. The processor has been advised to cease production. No illnesses have been linked to the product at this time. It is unknown whether the person makes any other food products. The product is sold in six-ounce jars.

Clostridium botulinum toxin in food or beverages can cause foodborne botulism, which is an extremely rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial illness. Food contaminated with the toxin may not look or smell spoiled, but when ingested can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dry throat, respiratory failure or paralysis. Most people with botulism develop symptoms 12 to 36 hours after consuming contaminated food.