Put Down That Jam Jar: California Health Officials Warn About Risk Of Serious Illness

The California Department of Public Health is warning people not to eat Shemshad's Mulberry Molasses and Mulberry Jam products sold in Southern California. These products could be potentially contaminated with a toxin that may lead to serious illness and death if ingested.

The 16-ounce glass jarred products were sold at grocery stores including the Woodland Hills Market in Woodland Hills, Q Market in Van Nuys, and Wholesome Choice Market in Irvine.

Shemshad, the Los Angeles based company behind the products, has issued a recall of the products.

What’s wrong with the products?

Both the molasses and jam were produced outside of the state’s cannery inspection program, which means they could be contaminated with the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, according to the Department of Public Health.

The canning process typically forces air out of food, but the Clostridium botulinum bacteria can grow and produce an extremely rare, but very dangerous toxin in incorrectly or minimally processed canned foods, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

It can create the botulism toxin — a deadly food poisoning.

The symptoms typically start as blurred vision, drooping eyelids, and a dry or sore throat. As the illness progresses, people may start to experience paralysis down their body. They may also struggle with slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis of their respiratory muscles.

Infants with botulism can seem lethargic, cry weakly, have poor muscle tone, and constipation.

Some people can even die after eating foods contaminated with the toxin if they don’t get the proper medical treatment quickly, according to the CDC.

What do I do if I have one at home?

The potentially contaminated Mulberry Molasses and Mulberry Jam products have screw-on metal lids dated “APR 25 2025.”

Because the botulism toxin is odorless and colorless, you won’t be able to tell which jars are affected. The Department of Public Health is recommending everyone who has the products, or has made food with the products, to throw them away immediately.

Health officials recommend you double bag the jars in plastic, close the bags up tightly, and place them in a trash bin outside of your home. You should also wear rubber or latex gloves if possible, and wash your hands with soap and running water for at least two minutes after handling any of the containers or food it was made with.

If you see the products still up for sale at your local grocery store, you’re encouraged to report it to the Department of Public Health’s toll free complaint line at (800) 495-3232.