Castleberry's Recall

Augusta, GAThe Castleberry canned foods recall was announced on July 19 and expanded on July 21 after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) found that processing malfunctions at the Castleberry plant existed longer than originally thought. The malfunctions occurred during the canning process and prevented spores of Clostridium botulinum from being killed during canning. This allowed the spores to grow and produce the toxin.

The recall is classified as a Class I recall because the health risk to consumers is high.

Consumers who still have any of the recalled products should safely dispose of them immediately without opening the cans. Safe disposal includes double-bagging the cans in tightly closed plastic bags and placing them in a trash container for non-recyclable trash.

Botulism
Botulism poisoning caused by foods contaminated with botulinum toxin is rare but very serious. Even a small amount of toxin can cause severe health problems including paralysis. Botulinum toxin can enter the body through the digestive system, through a break in the skin, or through the eye. Because it can easily enter the body, no unopened cans of recalled product should be opened and food must be discarded in the trash rather than in a garbage disposal, sink or toilet.

Any contact between the skin and possibly contaminated food should be avoided by wearing rubber or latex gloves and washing hands with soap and running water for at least two minutes after handling any containers that may be open. Consumers should discard any sponges, cloths, rags, and gloves that may have been in contact with contaminated food or containers.

So far, the botulism toxin has been found in leftover chili sauce collected from a patient's home and in unopened cans of chili sauce.