Update from Castleberry's on Canned Food Recall
Posted by
Jenny AlbanoAugust 02, 2007 11:38 AMCastleberry's Food Company announced that it is urgent that retailers, food service operations, food banks, consumers, and anyone else that would be distributing Castleberry's canned foods should immediately discard any recalled items. According to surveys and inspections from health agencies, some of the recalled products remain in retail outlets. Most of the stores that still contain the potentially contaminated products are small independent stores and convenience stores.
Castleberry's first recalled different brands of hot dog chili sauce on July 18 because 4 people had contracted botulism after eating the product. On July 21 the company expanded the recall to include over 90 different brands of canned food and pet food because those products had been produced on the same equipment as the contaminated chili sauce. The company later announced that 16 cans of the chili sauce tested positive for botulism.
Castleberry's wants to warn the public not to sell, open, or consume any of the recalled products. In addition, consumers and retailers should follow Castleberry's instructions for disposal of the products.
"To strengthen our outreach to smaller independent grocers, gas stations, and convenience stores, we've re-directed all of our direct retailer, distributor and wholesaler customers to contact their respective customers downstream, to ensure they are aware of the recall and follow the proper removal and disposal instructions." stated Steve Mavity, SVP Technical Services/Quality Assurance for Castleberry's.
The company has provided retailers with a way to dispose of the recalled products. Retailers need to contact the Carolina Supply Chain Services (CSCS) and they will arrange for the items to be removed.
For consumers who still have the potentially contaminated products, the company recommends that people double bag the cans in plastic bags before throwing them away. If the cans seem to be bulging or swollen then consumers should wear gloves and eye protection before double-bagging and disposing of the canned goods. After removal people should immediately remove and throw away gloves and vigorously wash their hands.
Castleberry's has taken many steps to inform the public of this urgent recall. The company has issued public warnings, established a hotline, hired recall audit teams, and put recall information in consumer publications.
Botulism is a potentially fatal illness, and if any individual feels ill after consuming or handling Castleberry's products they should immediately seek medical attention.
For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.