Yo quiero recall: Taco Bell cheese dip pulled over botulism concerns

Approximately 7,000 cases of Taco Bell Salsa Con Queso Mild Cheese Dip are being voluntarily recalled over botulism concerns. (Courtesy Business Wire)
Approximately 7,000 cases of Taco Bell Salsa Con Queso Mild Cheese Dip are being voluntarily recalled over botulism concerns. (Courtesy Business Wire)
Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and trouble with speaking or swallowing. (Courtesy Business Wire)
Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and trouble with speaking or swallowing. (Courtesy Business Wire)
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Approximately 7,000 cases of Taco Bell Salsa Con Queso Mild Cheese Dip are being voluntarily recalled over botulism concerns. (Courtesy Business Wire)
Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and trouble with speaking or swallowing. (Courtesy Business Wire)

WASHINGTON — Kraft Heinz is recalling thousands of cases of Taco Bell Salsa Con Queso Mild Cheese Dip because the gooey snack could become a breeding ground for botulism and potentially fatal food poisoning.

The company cites “product separation” — where the components of the dip literally come apart — for the recall.

That separation could lead to the growth of Clostridium botulinum, which is a potentially fatal form of bacterial food poisoning.

Symptoms of botulism include general weakness, dizziness, double vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing.

Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distention and constipation are also possible symptoms.

Kraft Heinz said in a statement that there have not yet been any reports or complaints of illness from consumers.

Both types being recalled come in 15-ounce glass jars with “Best by” dates of “27 DEC 2018 23 JAN 2019.” The UPC code on the jar is 021000024490. The UPC code on the cases are 21000024490 and 21000066900.

In the statement, Kraft Heinz said they “deeply regret this situation and apologize to any consumers we have disappointed.”

Will Vitka

William Vitka is a Digital Writer/Editor for WTOP.com. He's been in the news industry for over a decade. Before joining WTOP, he worked for CBS News, Stuff Magazine, The New York Post and wrote a variety of books—about a dozen of them, with more to come.

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