Botulism risk in pumpkin seed pesto sauce

State public health officials are warning consumers not to eat Williams-Sonoma pumpkin seed pesto sauce because it may have been improperly produced and has a risk of botulism.

California Department of Public Health director Dr. Ron Chapman issued the warning Friday about the product manufactured by Sutter-based California Olive and Vine, LLC. The sauce has been sold nationwide at Williams-Sonoma retail stores since September.

The product, which was packaged in eight-ounce glass jars with screw-on metal lids, is susceptible to contamination with Clostridium botulinum. Ingestion of the botulism toxin can lead to serious illness and death, public health officials said.

Anyone who has the product should discard it immediately and wash their hands with soap and running water after handling any food or containers that may be contaminated.

Anyone that sees the product still being offered for sale is encouraged to report the activity to the CDPH's toll-free complaint line at (800) 495-3232.