2007 PRESS RELEASES

August 8, 2007
STATE URGES CONSUMERS TO CHECK CUPBOARDS FOR RECALLED CASTLEBERRY CANNED FOODS
Contact: Elaine J. Lidholm, 804.786.7686

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) urges consumers to check their cupboards for any of 90 different canned food items recalled in the wake of four U.S. botulism cases.  As a result of these cases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers not to eat certain canned food products or to serve certain canned dog food products produced by Castleberry’s Food Company of Augusta, Georgia.  Click here for a comprehensive list of the recalled canned food products.

Botulism can be very serious, resulting in hospitalization for weeks or months, and sometimes death.  Two people in Texas and two in Indiana were hospitalized recently after eating a chili sauce manufactured by Castleberry's.  Although no cases have been identified in Virginia, consumers are encouraged to check for the recalled products in their homes.  Recalled products should be discarded immediately or returned to the store where they were purchased.  Consumers should not puncture or otherwise open cans prior to disposal.

Swallowing even tiny traces of botulinum toxin can be lethal, which is why consumers should not open questionable canned food.  Symptoms of botulism include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness.  If untreated, the illness may progress to include paralysis of the face, arms, breathing muscles, trunk and legs.  Symptoms usually begin within 18 to 36 hours of consuming a contaminated food, although the effect is sometimes delayed.  People who develop any of these symptoms should contact a physician immediately.

The botulism was traced to one of Castleberry's production lines, leading to an expanded recall of any foods processed on that line.  These include canned chili and chili sauces, stews, corned beef hash, and other items sold under several brand names, as well as Natural Balance Eatables brand dog food. 

Foodborne botulism in the U.S. is now quite rare, with most cases outside of Alaska traced to improperly home-canned foods. This is the first time U.S. botulism cases have been traced to commercial canning defects since 1971.  State and federal agencies are working with grocers, food banks and other food distributors to ensure that all recalled products are pulled from their shelves.  The Department also encourages consumers to help get the word out to family or friends who may not be aware of the news reports.

For more information contact the VDACS Food Safety and Security Program at 804.786.3520.