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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expanding its July
18 warning to
consumers. This expansion is for consumers and pet owners regarding canned
food products and dog food produced by Castleberry's Food Company of Augusta,
Ga., due to the risk of botulinum toxin. Castleberry's is expanding the
recall to include all of the following canned products with all "best
by" and code dates, and FDA is warning consumers not to purchase or eat
any of the canned products listed in the table below.
The agency is expanding its warning based in part on FDA test results and
information obtained during a joint FDA and U.S. Department of Agriculture
inspection of the Castleberry's facility in Augusta, Ga.
Exposure to botulinum toxin can be fatal and two people in Texas and two people
in Indiana remain seriously ill and hospitalized with botulism poisoning associated
with eating Castleberry's Hot Dog Chili Sauce.
While the previous recall and the known illnesses are linked to "best by"
dates of April 30 to May 22, 2009, the firm has extended the recall to include
all products listed irrespective of "best by" date. The firm is
cooperating with FDA in the recall of these products and has ceased processing
and distribution.
In addition, Castleberry's is recalling other products containing meat, which
are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is also warning
the public not to eat certain brands of Castleberry's products containing meat.
The list of these USDA-regulated products can be viewed at this link to the
USDA website: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_033_2007_expanded/index.asp
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. Additional instructions for safe disposal can be
found at www.cdc.gov/botulism/botulism_faq.htm
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.
Symptoms of botulism poisoning in humans 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, 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 one of
the Castleberry's products currently under recall should seek immediate
medical attention.
The disease has only been seen occasionally in dogs and has not been reported
in cats. Ferrets are highly susceptible to botulinum toxin. The incubation
period can be 2 hours to 2 weeks; in most cases, the symptoms appear after
12 to 24 hours. Botulism is characterized by progressive motor paralysis. Typical
clinical signs may include muscle paralysis, difficulty breathing, chewing
and swallowing, visual disturbances and generalized weakness may also occur.
Death usually results from paralysis of the respiratory or cardiac muscles.
Pet owners who have used these products and whose pets have these symptoms
should contact their veterinarian immediately. At this time we are not aware
of pet illnesses associated with these products although we recommend that
all these products should be discarded.
Castleberry's recommends consumers with any questions or concerns about this
recall should go to Castleberry's website (www.castleberrys.com)
or call Castleberry's consumer hotline at 1-800-203-4412 or 1-888-203-8446.
Consumers with questions can call FDA at 1-888-SAFEFOOD.
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