Botulism Lawsuits: Canned Food Chili Recall
Food poisoning lawsuits are being reviewed nationwide for individuals diagnosed with botulism after consuming recalled canned foods. >>REQUEST A CLAIM EVALUATION
The food poisoning lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential botulism lawsuits for individuals who were sickened after consuming or being exposed to canned food products containing chili, hot dog sauce, and other meat products manufactured by Castleberry Food Company.
The FDA issued a nationwide canned food recall in July 2007 for tens of millions of cans branded as Austex, Castleberry's, Bunker Hill, Kroger, Meijer, Food Lion, Bloom and Thrifty Maid. The chili sauce, corned beef hash and other canned meets may be contaminated with a toxin which causes botulism.
If you, a friend or family member were sickened, request a free consultation to determine if compensation may be available.
>>REQUEST A BOTULISM LAWSUIT EVALUATION<<
BOTULISM
In July 2007, a nationwide chili sauce recall was issued due to a risk that canned foods may be contaminated with botulinum toxin, which is associated with the development of botulism. The FDA reported that the recall was prompted after four confirmed cases of botulism were found in people who consumed the canned chili sauce.
Botulism is a muscle-paralyzing disease which is very serious and could lead to death. It is caused by a toxin made by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. It is extremely potent, and botulism could develop if the toxin is inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the eyes or skin. The problems can surface anywhere from several hours to as late as 10 days after exposure to the toxin.
Botulism symptoms could include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth and muscle weakness.
HOT DOG CHILI SAUCE RECALL
Canned foods which are manufactured commercially have rarely, if ever, been contaminated with botulinum bacteria over the past thirty years. Most outbreaks of food poisoning in the United States are associated with salmonella or e-coli. According to the CDC, the last botulism outbreak involving commerically canned food was in the 1970s.
There are about 25 cases of botulism diagnosed each year, and most involve foods which are canned at home. During commercial canning of food, the cans are supposed to be heated long enough and at high enough temperatures to kill spores which can otherwise cause the toxin to develop and grow. Defective cans which are under processed or which contain leaky seams, can become contaminated with the bacteria which can thrive inside the sealed containers.
Negligence on the part of the manufacturer in failing to maintain their equipment and inspect the finished product appears to have caused the contaminated hot dog chili sauce which has sickened people. The plant where the canned hot dog chili was made experienced production problems approximately two months before the botulism outbreak. Production at the plant was temporarily stopped when it was discovered that cans were being heated too high before going into the cooling canal.
The manufacturer had reason to expect that the manufacturing defect could cause the cans to expand and allow the bacteria to contaminate the hot dog chili sauce. The company claims that they had independent evaluators inspect the plant before they resumed production. However, it appear that their belief that there were no problems was wrong.
FOOD POISONING LAWSUITS
Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. is reviewing potential botulism lawsuits for individuals diagnosed with the disease after consuming the canned chili or other meat products. If you, a friend or family member believe you may have a claim, request a free claim evaluation to determine if financial compensation may be available. There are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained.
