Customers of an online condiment enterprise made in a Richmond home are being warned by Vancouver Coastal Health of a potential botulism risk. Betty's King Sauce is being produced in a facility that has not been approved or inspected by VCH.
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Betty's King Sauce was not available in retail stores, but was, however available through their website and social media channels, all of which have gone dark or been stripped of their content. The condiment and its purveyor had been slated to participate in the upcoming Hawkers Market event on Nov. 17 but are no longer mentioned on the event website.
The sauce also contains ingredients and uses a processing method that could allow for harmful bacteria growth, caution authorities.
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That harmful bacteria, known as Clostridium botulinum, can cause foodborne botulism, a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial illness, says the health authority.
“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,” explains VCH. “Most people with botulism develop symptoms 12 to 36 hours after consuming contaminated food.”
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At this time, the processor has been told to stop production. No illnesses have been reported.
With files from Alyse Kotyk/Richmond News
