Check Your Chili: Botulism Recall
We haven't had a case of botulism contamination in commercially canned products since the 1970's, but it looks like we were overdue. The FDA just released a warning that applies to 10-ounce cans of Castleberry's, Austex, and Kroger brands of hot dog chili sauce with "best by" dates from April 30, 2009, through May 22, 2009.
Four people — two from Texas and two from Indiana — have already been hospitalized, described as "seriously ill but expected to survive."
The products were made by the Castleberry Food Co., owned by Bumble Bee Seafoods LLC. They are cooperating with the Food and Drug Administration officials and are voluntarily recalling all potentially contaminated products.
Botulism is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease caused by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Symptoms include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth and muscle weakness that moves down the body, according to the CDC.
"The toxin is so potent if they get it on their hands or it sprays in their face, it could make them ill," said Robert Brackett, director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, urging consumers to discard any potentially contaminated cans without opening them.
If caught and treated in time, most victims recover within a few weeks or months.
The recall covers the following universal product codes:
—Castleberry's Hot Dog Chili Sauce (UPC 3030000101);
—Austex Hot Dog Chili Sauce (UPC 3030099533);
—Kroger Hot Dog Chili Sauce (UPC 1111083942).
Consumers with questions may call the company toll-free at 888-203-8446.
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