Hot dog chili sauce recall due to botulism outbreak
Canned food products containing hot dog chili sauce have been linked to the development of botulism, a rare but serious disease caused by contamination with Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Following an initial announcement on July 18, a nationwide hot dog chili sauce recall was expanded on July 21 to include all products manufactured by Castleberry Food Company at their Augusta, Georgia plant, including some dog foods.
>>INFORMATION: Hot Dog Chili Recall Lawsuits
The FDA expanded the canned hot dog chili recall based on information obtained from test results and during inspection which indicated all foods produced at the plant could be contaminated with the botulinum toxin which is associated with the development of botulism.
Botulism is a serious and potentially fatal disease which results in muscle paralysis. The illness can move through the body resulting in paralysis of the face, arms, breathing muscles, trunk and legs. It is fatal in about 8% of all cases, usually when the paralysis impairs the ability to breath.
Botulism symptoms can develop between 6 hours and 10 days after exposure to the contaminated food, and could include:
- Blurred or double vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Slurred speech
- Trouble swallowing
- Muscle paralysis or weakness
HOT DOG CHILI RECALL
The original hot dog chili sauce recall only included products produced between April 30 and May 22, 2007. However, the expanded recall includes all lots, product codes and “best by” dates. (UPDATE 7/25/07: Recall Expanded to included all cans made on same manufacturing line, which now includes tens of millions of cans of chili, hot dog sauce, beef hash and other meat products).
>>INFORMATION: Full Canned Food Recall List
The FDA and CDC have recommended that individuals who have any of the recalled food dispose of them immediately by placing them in a double bag which is tightly closed and thrown away with non-recyclable trash. However, if it is suspected that an injury or illness was caused by the hot dog chili sauce, any remnants should be safely stored for possible future testing. Extreme caution should be exercised to avoid exposure to the contaminated product, and it should be contained in a tightly double bagged manner with markings to indicate that it should not be consumed or touched.
>>LINK: CDC Information on Product Disposal
BOTULISM OUTBREAK LAWSUITS
The lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. are reviewing potential hot dog chili recall lawsuits for individuals diagnosed with botulism after eating canned hot dog sauce. If you, a friend or family member believe an injury may have been caused by the recalled chili sauce, request a free botulism claim evaluation.
