Botulism poisoning risk continues following canned foods recall
Following the recall of tens of millions of cans of chili, hot dog sauce, beef stew, hash and other foods, some stores continue to carry the canned foods on their shelves. The recall was initiated due to a risk of botulism poisoning and federal health officials have expressed serious concern that store owners and consumers continue to not realize the danger associated with these recalled canned foods.
>>INFORMATION: Canned Food Recall: Complete List of Products
On July 18, 2007, an initial Castleberry canned food recall was initiated after it was discovered that canned chili sauce may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria which causes botulism poisoning. The recall was expanded on July 21 to include all products made over the last two years on one manufacturing line at the Augusta, Georgia Castleberry Food Co. plant. The problems were caused because the manufacturer negligently failed to heat the cans sufficiently to kill the bacteria before the cooling process.
Many small convenience stores, gas stations and grocery stores continue to carry the recalled cans on their shelf and hundreds of thousands of consumers still have the product in their homes. Spot checks by the FDA of 3,700 stores found about 250 stores which still had the contaminated canned foods nearly 10 days after the initial recall.
Federal health officials are concerned that the problems associated with these recalled cans could continue for some time, as the product has at least a two year shelf life. On July 27, the fifth confirmed case of botulism poisoning was confirmed by the California Department of Public Health. A 51 year old woman was hospitalized with botulism after eating a can of Kroger Chili with Beans earlier this month.
BOTULISM POISONING RISK FROM BURSTING CANNED FOODS
The risk of botulism poisoning is especially troubling since there have been reports that contaminated cans are swelling and bursting due to the gases produced as the bacteria grows and reproduces. This could potentially lead to the chili sauce or can contents spilling onto store shelves and home pantries.
This is problematic since botulism poisoning can occur even if the contaminated contents are not consumed. The toxin is extremely potent and can lead to botulism even if it is inhaled or absorbed through the skin or eyes. Therefore, extreme care must be exercised to properly contain any remaining cans and to wear protective gloves if any cans burst or leak.
Botulism is not your run of the mill food poisoning, like E. coli or salmonella. Botulism poisoning is associated with paralysis which moves progressively down the body, affecting the shoulders first then moving to the upper arms, lower arms, thighs and calves. In severe cases the paralysis can lead to intensive care treatment, inability to breath and possibly even death.
Symptoms can develop anywhere from 6 hours to two weeks after exposure to the toxin. Early botulism signs include:
- Blurred vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Slurred Speech
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Dry mouth
- Muscle weakness
LAWSUITS FOR BOTULISM FOOD POISONING
The food poisoning lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. are reviewing potential botulism poisoning lawsuits for those who consumed any of the recalled Castleberry’s canned foods. If you, a friend or family member have been diagnosed with botulism, request a food poisoning claim evaluation.
