State health director warns consumers of food borne illness after company expands recalled foods

Recall now includes almost 100 varieties of canned goods

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, is warning consumers again today not to eat certain canned products after Castleberry’s Food Company, owned by Bumble Bee Foods, LLC, voluntarily expanded its recall from last week due to possible botulism contamination.

“To date there are no cases of botulism in Illinois linked to this recall, however, local health departments have found some these canned goods on store shelves so I want to remind all Illinois residents to be on the lookout for these products – not only on store shelves but in your pantries and cupboards as well,” said Dr. Whitaker.

Canned goods, including almost 100 varieties of chili, beef stew, corned beef hash, barbecue pork, hot dog chili sauces, sausage-gravy and dog food are on the expanded recall list. Each can label or can end bears the establishment number “EST. 195” inside the USDA seal of inspection. The expanded recall includes canned goods regardless of the “best buy” date stamped on the bottom of the can.

For a list of recalled products regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – log onto www.fda.gov.

For a list of recalled products regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service log onto http://www.fsis.usda.gov.

Or you can log onto the Illinois Department of Public Health Web site at www.idph.state.il.us/public/press07/7.23.RecalledProducts.pdf.

Consumers who have any of these products or any foods made with these products should throw them away immediately. Double bag the cans in plastic bags that are tightly closed then place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home. Additional instructions for safe disposal can be found at www.cdc.gov/botulism/botulism_faq.htm

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has sent a health advisory to local health departments, hospitals and other health care professionals alerting them of the severity of this illness and the seriousness of the outbreak.

Signs and symptoms of botulism include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. If untreated, the illness may progress from head to toe, with paralysis of the face, arms, breathing muscles, trunk and legs.  Paralysis of the breathing muscles can lead to death unless prompt medical care is sought. Symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating a contaminated food but can occur as early as six hours or as late as 10 days.

Anyone who suspects a case of botulism should contact their physician and notify the local health department as soon as possible.