Botulism Warning expanded
Additional consumer products and pet products
July 24, 2007
The Food and Drug Administration has expanded is original July 18 public health alert warning to warn consumers and pet owners of additional products that are being included in the recall of products made by Castleberry Food Company of Augusta, Georgia. The original alert involved canned chili sauces. The expanded warning includes hot dog chili sauces and dog foods.
Four cases of botulism have been reported to date. Two cases from Indiana and two from Texas. All four people consumed Hot Dog Chili Sauce Original, a product made by Castleberry.
Consumers are strongly advised to check their shelves for any of the products involved in the recall and discard any with the “best by” and code dates involved in the recall. The FDA also advises consumers not to purchase or eat any of the canned products involved in the recall. The known illnesses are linked to production dates of April 30 to May 22, 2007. Castleberry has expanded its recall to include all products listed irrespective of the “best by” date. The company is cooperating with the FDA in the recall of these products and has ceased processing and distribution. Affected products were sold nationally.
Consumers who have any of these products or any foods made with these products should throw them away immediately. Double bag the cans in plastic bags that are tightly closed then place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home.
Retailers that have any of these products are asked to assure that they are removed from use and do not accidentally get reintroduced for sale, service or donation.
Botulism can be fatal and is an extreme health risk.
Symptoms of botulism poisoning can begin from 6 hours to 2 weeks after eating food that contains the toxin. Symptoms may include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness that moves progressively down the body, affecting the shoulders first then descending to the upper arms, lower arms, thighs, calves, etc. Botulism poisoning can also cause paralysis of the breathing muscles which can result in death unless assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation) is provided.
Individuals who show these symptoms and who may have recently eaten Castleberry's Hot Dog Chili Sauce, Austex Hot Dog Chili Sauce, or Kroger Hot Dog Chili Sauce should seek immediate medical attention.
See the web links below for the complete list of recalled products.
Related Links:
Food and Drug Administration
Castleberry's Food Co
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