Botulism Fears Cause Second Recall From Castleberry Foods

Products recalled due to botulism fear The following story from the Batesville Herald Tribue reports on the Castleberry Food Co. botulism scare. There has been a noticeable increase in recalled products. One wonders if that is a result of a lightening of government safety regulations for everything from cars, tires, food products, etc or whether it is simply a coincidence? ******** Castleberry’s Food Co. issued an expanded voluntary recall on Saturday, July 21, due to the risk of botulism, and health experts are concerned people are still consuming the products, reports Indiana State Department of Health officials. A wide variety of canned products from the company are included in the expanded recall, and many of the items do not have the Castleberry name on the label. “We may continue to see cases of botulism if not everyone is aware of the recall and is still consuming the products,” said Lynae Granzow, ISDH enteric epidemiologist. “We need the help of the public to communicate the recall to all family, friends and co-workers.” Health officials are concerned that not all of the recalled canned products have been removed from grocery store shelves and are still available. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), unaware consumers are continuing to purchase the recalled products despite the warning. The state health department is working closely with federal and local agencies to ensure all the recalled products are removed from food establishments and destroyed. “If you work any place that sells food, please make sure management is aware of the recall,” said Granzow. “Botulism is a very serious disease, and there is no cure.” “The Ripley County Health Department has visited all retail stores in Ripley County and conducted audits and has found some of these products on shelves,” said Pat Thomas, the county’s public health coordinator. She explained, “In most cases, smaller establishments were never formally informed of the recall by their suppliers. Those who were informed ... removed the items from their shelves immediately.” A majority of the recalled products are hot dog chili sauce, beef stew, chili and corned beef hash from brand names such as Castleberry’s, Bryan, Goldstar, Great Value, Kroger, Meijer, Paramount and Value Time, according to Diane Turney, Franklin County Health Department administrator. Each can label or can end bears the establishment number "EST. 195" inside the USDA seal of inspection. A complete list can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site, www.cdc.gov, or the Castleberry’s Food Co. site, www.castleberrys.com/news_productrecall.asp. The Franklin County Health Department will also keep an up-to-date list on hand in the office. Department workers urge residents to check their pantries and shelves to determine if they have any of the canned meat products affected by the recall. Local groceries and food establishments have been inspected and all tainted cans have been removed, Turney said. One product was found at the Village Store, Oldenburg. She explained, “Their distributor told them it wasn’t on the list and it was.” Quite a few recalled products were discovered in Laurel and have been pulled off the shelves, she reported. "Our concern now is for the canned beef stew and canned chili that our residents already have in their kitchens," said Danny Hill, FCHD environmental specialist. Four varieties of 15-ounce Natural Balance Eatables dog food also are included in the recall. 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. State health officials note botulism is a muscle-paralyzing disease caused by a toxin made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Symptoms of botulism include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, muscle weakness, and paralysis which can potentially lead to death. “Botulinum toxin is one of the most potent toxins known,” said Granzow. “Scour your shelves at home for the recalled product and dispose of it immediately.” Granzow recommends consumers not open the canned product, because exposure to the toxin could cause botulism and individuals can become very ill. The FDA says consumers should place recalled products in two plastic bags tightly sealed before placing in a nonrecyclable trash receptacle outside of the home. If cans are swollen, bulging or leaking, gloves and eye protection are recommended before double-bagging and disposing of the cans. Health officials recommend thoroughly washing both hands for at least two minutes after carefully removing and disposing the gloves.