Castleberry’s Expands Recall Amid Botulism Fears

Castleberry’s Food Company has expanded its recall of hot dog chili sauce and canned meat products, originally announced on July 18, due to the risk of botulinum toxin, a bacterium which can cause botulism.

Botulism can cause 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.

The recall by the US food company originally affected only 10 products with ‘best by’ dates from April 30, 2009 through May 22, 2009. The extended recall now includes over 80 canned products with all ‘best by’ and code dates.

In addition, four varieties of canned Natural Balance brand pet food products, which Castleberry’s co-packs for Natural Balance, are being recalled. The company has warned consumers not to use these products, even if they do not look or smell spoiled.

“There is nothing more important to us than the health of those who use our products every day,” said Steve Mavity, SVP Technical Services/Quality Assurance for Castleberry’s. “We are taking every step necessary, and are working hand in hand with health officials around the clock to ensure the safety of consumers.”

Mr Mavity continued: “We believe we have isolated the issue to a situation of under-processing on one line of our production facility. As an extra precaution to the recall we announced on Wednesday, we have shut down this line altogether and are recalling all products produced on it.”

Castleberry’s said it is working with the FDA, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate possible contamination of these products.

Castleberry’s was notified by the FDA of two confirmed botulism cases and two potential botulism cases involving individuals who ate hot dog chili sauce products. No new cases have been reported since the recall was announced on July 18.

There have been no reported illnesses linked to Natural Balance canned pet food, but Castleberry’s recommends that all these products should be discarded.