NY Firm Recalls Processed Garlic Cloves for C. botulinum Concern

Tops Friendly Markets of Williamsville, NY is recalling all codes of Christopher Ranch Peeled Garlic and Garland Peeled Garlic because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum due to the product being kept at insufficient temperatures.  This issue was discovered during a routine store inspection where it was observed that the recalled product was not held at sufficient temperatures to control the hazard. There are no known illnesses to date.

Comment:  Spores of Clostridium botulinum, the causative agent of botulism, can be associated with items from the soil such as garlic.  Once garlic is processed, it may create conditions for C. botulinum growth and toxin production, so there must be conditions that prohibit this such as refrigeration and/or preservatives.

Studies  and past history has shown that chopped garlic in oil can be problematic.

Outgrowth and Toxin Production by Clostridium botulinum in Bottled Chopped Garlic (1988)

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X22089980

However, this occurred when stored in oil. 

Product was distributed through Tops Markets in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. 

FDA Recall Notice
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tops-issues-recall-christopher-ranch-peeled-garlic-garland-fresh-peeled-garlic-because-possible
Tops Issues Recall of Christopher Ranch Peeled Garlic & Garland Fresh Peeled Garlic Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  April 01, 2026
FDA Publish Date:  April 01, 2026
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – Clostridium Botulinum
Company Name:  Tops Friendly Markets
Brand Name:  Christopher Ranch, Garland
Product Description:  Peeled Garlic

Company Announcement

Tops Friendly Markets of Williamsville, NY is recalling all codes of Christopher Ranch Peeled Garlic and Garland Peeled Garlic because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum due to the product being kept at insufficient temperatures. Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium which can cause life threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to consume the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms.

Product was distributed through Tops Markets in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. The recalled products are identified as follows:

• Christopher Ranch Peeled Garlic, 6 oz., packed in plastic bags with UPC 74574-10852 ,all product code dates
• Garland Fresh Peeled Garlic, 6 oz., packed in plastic bags with a UPCs of 71894-00000 and 68826-75340, all product code dates.

This issue was discovered during a routine store inspection where it was observed that the recalled product was not held at sufficient temperatures to control the hazard. There are no known illnesses to date.

Customers can return the item(s) to the store for a full refund.

If you have any questions, call Tops Consumer Affairs at 1-800-522-2522. This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.