Health authorities emphasize that incidents of botulism are extremely rare. However, the publisher is taking the precaution of recalling the special Christmas entertainment and decorating guide. The full-sized holiday guide is available only on newsstands at major retail outlets. T he recipes for Herb, Thai, Spiced Orange and Indian Spiced Oils are the recipes that could potentially become contaminated with botulism. Because the oil contains ingredients that are low in acid, without proper processing the botulism spores could multiple.
Botulism is an invisible, odorless and tasteless microorganism that has the potential to be lethal.
Refrigeration will slow the growth of the microorganism. Unflavored vegetable oils do not need to be refrigerated. T he company also will post a consumer advisory on its Reader's Digest World Web site home page.