Almond milk brand recalled in NSW after link to life-threatening botulism case

A brand of almond milk is being recalled in New South Wales after being linked to a life-threatening case of botulism.

Inside Out unsweetened almond milk with an expiry date of March 1 was sold at Woolworths in New South Wales.

NSW Health said initial investigations confirmed the presence of botulinum toxin in a sample of the milk.

The contamination was identified after a person showed severe symptoms of botulism after drinking the product and was hospitalized, where she continues to receive treatment.

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NSW Food Authority is investigating the manufacture of the product to determine the possible cause of the contamination.

NSW Health advises recalled product no ' is not safe to consume and asks people to check their fridges and cupboards and throw away the milk or return it to the supermarket for a refund.

Keira Glasgow from NSW Health said while foodborne botulism is very rare in Australia, the toxin can be extremely dangerous and even fatal.

Early symptoms of foodborne botulism include weakness, fatigue and dizziness.

"It is usually followed by blurred vision, dry mouth and difficulty swallowing," Glasgow said. "Nausea and vomiting may also occur.

"These symptoms may progress to paralysis of the arm muscles and continue down the body to the trunk and legs, and paralysis of the respiratory muscles can be fatal. "

Anyone with symptoms is advised to seek medical attention immediately.

"Most cases recover if diagnosed and treated early,” Glasgow said.

Symptoms can appear hours to days after consuming the contaminated product.

< p class="dcr-h26idz" >Details of the affected product are listed on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand website.