ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, September 10, 1996 TAG: 9609100062
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-2 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
Americans should not eat a type of imported cream cheese that has been linked to one death and at least three cases of botulism in Italy, the Food and Drug Administration warned Monday.
Imported mascarpone cream cheese sold under the Giglio, Parmalat and Sol di Valle brand names may be contaminated with the bacteria that causes botulism - even if the cheese doesn't look or smell spoiled, the FDA said.
The products are commonly found in tiramisu, an Italian dessert, and other gourmet foods made with very soft cream cheese. It is sold alone or listed as an ingredient in prepared foods, although the food label may mention only mascarpone and not the Italian brand names.
Botulism symptoms include dizziness, trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing and difficulty breathing. The bacteria can kill, so people should immediately seek medical help, the FDA said.
The FDA said Battaglia & Co. Inc. of New Jersey imported the Italian cheeses and is recalling them. Consumers may call Battaglia for more information: (201) 531-0489.
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Short : 31 linesby CNB