August 3, 2007

LANSING - The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) is urging consumers to check their cupboards to make sure that none of the 90 recalled canned food items manufactured by Castleberry Food Company are on their shelves. On July 18, 2007, Castleberry initiated a voluntary recall when two people in Texas and two in Indiana were hospitalized with botulism, a potentially fatal foodborne illness. No cases have been reported in Michigan.

Working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Castleberry traced the source of the botulism toxin to one of Castleberry's production lines which produced items such as canned chili and chili sauces, stews, hash, corned beef and other items sold under several brand names, as well as “Natural Choice” brand dog food.

“MDA continues to work with our federal partners, grocers, food banks and other food distributors ensuring all recalled products have been removed from the food chain,” said Katherine Fedder, Food and Dairy Division director. “Consumers can also protect themselves by making sure that none of these recalled items are still in their cupboards.”

Recalled products should not be opened or consumed. FDA is recommending consumers double bag the items in plastic bags that are tightly closed before being placed in a non-recyclable trash container and removed from the home. If any of these cans are swollen, bulging or leaking, please put on gloves and eye protection before double-bagging and disposing of the cans. Slowly remove gloves and dispose after use. Wash hands with soap and running water for at least two minutes. Additional instructions for safe disposal can be found on the CDC’s website.

Consumption of food contaminated with botulism can be lethal, but other symptoms include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness. If untreated, the illness may progress to include paralysis of the face, arms, breathing muscles, trunk and legs. Symptoms usually begin within one to three days of consuming contaminated food, although the effect is sometimes delayed. Consumers who develop any of these symptoms should contact a physician immediately.

For additional information or to obtain a complete list of the recalled products, please contact Castleberry’s consumer information toll-free hotline at 1-888-203-8446 or visit their website at www.castleberrys.com.