“FDA Calls Contamination Urgent Public Health Matter”
On July 18, 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that 10-ounce cans of Castleberry’s Hot Dog Sauce, Austex Hot Dog Chili Sauce, and Kroger Hot Dog Chili Sauce, marked with “best by” dates from April 30, 2009 to May 22, 2009 could be contaminated with toxins that cause botulism.
Two days later, Castleberry Food Company expanded the recall to include other canned meat products that are also potentially contaminated with Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum). The expanded recall now includes more than 90 separate products manufactured by Castleberry Food Company, and range from canned chili with beans to beef hash to canned barbeque pork.
Calling the Castleberry recall “very big,” David Elder of the FDA’s office of regulatory affairs called the potential for widespread botulism infections “an urgent public health matter” (Source: Reuters, July 23, 2007).
Four Confirmed Cases of Botulism
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Two people from Indiana and two more from Texas contracted botulism after consuming Castleberry’s “Hot Dog Chili Sauce Original.” On July 21, 2007, Castleberry recalled more than 80 types of canned chili, beef stew, corned beef hash, and other meat products, adding to the 10 brands it recalled two days prior.
Dave Melbourne, senior vice president for Castleberry Food Company, confirmed the company had suspended all food production in Augusta, Georgia, after it was determined all four cases of botulism were linked to chili sauce cans produced on the same production line. Melbourne confirmed that botulism contamination occurred in the recalled chili sauce because the product was undercooked.
Source: “Castleberry’s shuts Georgia plant as part of botulism probe,” Associated Press, July 23, 2007.
“Muscle Paralysis Caused by Botulism Toxin”
Botulism is caused by toxic spores that grow in the intestinal tract and can be fatal. Botulism causes muscle paralysis that, if left untreated for too long, can progress to permanent paralysis. Botulism can affect you for the rest of your life.
If you or someone you know has been sickened with botulism after consuming a recalled product manufactured by Castleberry Food Company, you may be eligible for damages in a product liability lawsuit. Linking your botulism illness to the product you consumed is of paramount importance to your case. So is finding the right product liability law firm to help you protect your interests, pursue your possible benefits, and fight for you in court if necessary.
Our legal team is investigating botulism recall cases. We’d like to hear from you if you’ve been affected. Contact us right now or give us a call at 1-866-780-3061. We will have a botulism lawyer review your case without obligation, and we will normally be able to speak with you by the next business day.
