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Two Cases of Botulism Linked to Non-Refrigerated Fresh Bulk Tofu

By William Gorta | March 31, 2012 1:53pm
Unrefrigerated fresh bulk tofu is linked to two cases of botulism, city officials said.
Unrefrigerated fresh bulk tofu is linked to two cases of botulism, city officials said.
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NYC Dept. of Health

MANHATTAN - City officials have linked two cases of botulism, a relatively rare but potentially deadly disease, to fresh unrefirgerated tofu sold in bulk.

One confirmed case and one suspected case have been traced to tofu sold at a store in Flushing.

But the tofu was not made there and the source has yet to be identified, officials said.

The city Health Department said the tofu, commonly sold in an open, water-filled bins, is "highly suspected" to be the source of the outbreak, but it had not yet been confirmed.

Officials urge resents to throw out all fresh bulk tofu bought at room temperature anywhere in New York City.  They also advise that cooking or fermenting the fresh bulk tofu will not safeguard against botulism.

Pre-packaged, refrigerated tofu is safe to consume, the Health Department said.

Botulism symptoms, which usually occur 12 to 36 hours after ingesting the botulism toxin, include blurred or double vision, weakness or paralysis and difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing.

Left untreated, the disease can be fatal, officials said.