The Vietti Food Group has issued a widespread recall of multiple varieties of baked beans due to potential contamination with *Clostridium botulinum*, the bacteria that causes botulism. The recall, initially announced on February 29, 2024, and subsequently expanded, affects products distributed across the United States, including those sold at major retailers such as Walmart and Costco under store-brand names like Great Value and Kirkland Signature.

The recall was prompted by routine testing that detected the presence of *Clostridium botulinum* in some batches. Consumers can check if their products are affected by looking up specific lot codes and “best by” dates on the FDA website at fda.gov, which is being continuously updated.

Symptoms of botulism can include fatigue, weakness, blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing or speaking, and muscle paralysis. These symptoms can occur anywhere from a few hours to several days after consuming contaminated food. The FDA advises individuals who experience these symptoms after eating the recalled baked beans to seek immediate medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about the potential exposure.

The recall affects not only products purchased directly from Walmart or Costco but also any store-brand baked beans that may have been sourced from Vietti Food Group within the specified lot code ranges. Consumers are urged to discard any affected products.

Vietti Food Group is collaborating with the FDA and the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service to identify the source of the contamination and implement corrective measures. Production at the affected facility has been suspended pending a thorough safety review.

Consumers are reminded to follow storage instructions on food packaging and report any suspected foodborne illness to their local health department. The investigation aims to determine the cause of the contamination and prevent future incidents to ensure the safety of the food supply.