Health Department Warns Public of Possibly Toxic Soups

California health authorities today warned that two brands of soup, which may have been improperly processed, making them susceptible to botulinum toxin, were sold at three farmers markets in Los Angeles County.

Although no illness has so far been reported, Dr. Ron Chapman of the state's Department of Public Health said the soups could make one ill, or even cause death.

One brand was produced by Organic Soup Kitchen, a Santa Barbara- based firm. The firm produced Fire and Roasted Yam, Curried Potato Leek, Curry Lentil Bisque, Tomato Bean and Wild Herb and Mediterranean Chipotle Chili. The soups were packaged in one-quart glass jars with screw-on meal lids.

The Organic Soup Kitchen soups were sold between June 6, 2011, and May 6, 2012, at two Farmers Markets. One was the Calabasas Farmers Market atCalabasas Road and El Canon Avenue in Calabasas, which operates on Saturdays. The second location was the Studio City Farmers Market at Ventura Place between Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Radford Avenue in Studio City, which operates on Sundays.

The second brand was produced by a Malibu company, called One Gun Ranch. The firm made the following varieties of soups: Campfire Kitchen Cauliflower Soup, Heirloom Tomato Fennel Gaspacho Soup, Sequoia's Skinny Spiced Coconut, Parsnip and Turmeric Soup, Ossian's Pumpkin Stew and Freddy's Firegrilled Meatballs.

The soups were packaged in 16-ounce glass jars with screw-on metal lids, and sold at Pacific Palisades Farmers Market at Swarthmore Avenue and Sunset Boulevard between May 13 and June 3.

Botulism is a rare but serious illness whose symptoms may include slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, inability of the neck muscles to support the head and paralysis of the extremities and respiratory muscles. Infants with botulism appear lethargic, are constipated, and have a weak cry and poor muscle tones.

Consumers should throw away the soups immediately and thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.