This Burns!

CONSUMER ALERT!

I recently had a bizarre experience.  Let me begin by saying, I am a vegetarian and go to great lengths to purchase wholesome organic foods.  I have a vegetable garden because there is no better way to ensure you are eating 100% clean. I am also thoughtful of my carbon footprint, and I do not buy any toxic cleaning supplies, like bleach and other heavy-duty house cleaners.
 

So, when I was on my computer and began to notice a burning sensation on my fingers I could not imagine what was causing it. I continued working for a few more moments but then the pain became distracting and unbearable.  I looked down at my hands and noticed white marks, which I recognized immediately as some form of chemical burn.  Yikes!!!

Immediately, I washed my hands under cool water for what seemed like a long time before I felt some relief.  I applied coconut oil and a topical antibiotic cream to my hands.  It was several hours before the immediate burning sensation diminished but I could feel the slight sting for a few days still.  Thankfully, I didn’t inadvertently touch my eyes when I had the substance on my hands. It really would have been so much worst.

I felt disbelief when I found the cause.  It was from a Pacific brand prepackaged organic soup.  The package looked pretty innocuous.  It didn’t look like it had been tampered with and the expiry date had not yet passed.   What I am able to ascertain is that when I cut open the top it exposed some type of chemical.  I am not sure but the substance felt like some form of acid. That substance had to be in the package lid because when I touched it before it was open there had been no reaction on my hands, nor has anyone else who handled it had any averse reaction to it.   

I immediately placed it into a zip lock bag. This substance seemed to be extremely toxic that

Notice whiteness where the box is burned  

even sealed in the bag, when moved resulted in another reaction.  I wiped down my entire kitchen, all surfaces and everything I remembered touching. 

I called Health Canada Food Safety, my call was returned immediately. A file was opened and sent to Ottawa. Ingrid, the food inspector from the Ottawa area contacted me and said they would investigate any controls in place at the site where it is packaged. 

I also called the company Pacific foods and informed them about the situation. Jan from Regional sales returned my call immediately.  She requested I email her pictures of my hands.  I have not heard from her since I sent the email.

I have no idea if this is an isolated case or if it is more widespread. I do not know if it was contaminated at the source or somewhere else. I have no idea if it was some nefarious person’s prank and if anyone specifically was the target.

It is a mystery!  What I am able to say however is be cautious of this product and if you have it keep it away from children.  The best before date is May 23,2017.  Batch number is 15143-23 09057.