INC NEWS - Consumers Urged to Dispose of Recalled Food

[RW Pickle]

Press Release from the Durham County Public Information Office.

RWP
27 Beverly
___________________________________________________

Local health officials in Durham County urge consumers and retailers to
examine their pantry shelves for canned meat products that have been
recalled nationwide for possible contamination with the dangerous botulism
toxin, and dispose of them properly. 

The ongoing Castleberry canned food recall involves 25 different brands of
chili, beef stew, corned beef hash and flavors of canned dog food.  More
than 80 products are included in this recall, and most products will not
have the Castleberry name on the label. A list of the recalled products is
available online at www.fsis.usda.gov.

State and local officials continue to remove recalled product from store
shelves.  Other areas where the product may be used include sporting
events, family outings and youth events.  If you see these recalled
products in any food establishment, report it to the store manager and the
local health department. Establishments where you may encounter these
products include food pantries, flea markets, convenience stores, food
banks, independent grocers, day cares and nursing homes. 

“Botulism is a serious and sometimes fatal disease, so it is vitally
important that you take the right steps to remove these products from your
home or store shelves,” Brian Letourneau, Durham County health director,
said. “There have been no cases of botulism reported in association with
this recall in our county or state. I want to keep it that way. Remember,
when in doubt, throw it out but do it wisely.”

If you have an unopened can of one of the recalled products, do not open
or puncture the can. Place the can in a sealable bag, wrap two additional
plastic bags around it and tape is tightly. Return the product to the
store where it was purchased, or dispose of it in a trash receptacle with
lid for non-recyclable trash outside the home and out of reach of humans
and pets.  Wash hands with soap and running water for at least two
minutes.

Durham County Health Director Brian Letourneau also reminds residents to
use extreme caution and care when disposing of opened or leaky cans. He
states that a good rule of thumb is to wear rubber or latex gloves and eye
protection when placing the product in sealable, plastic bag and disposing
of it in a trash receptacle with lid.

Opened, leaking or bulging cans require extra care be taken when handling.
If the product is still in the can, follow the directions for disposal of
non-opened cans. If the product has been removed from the can or used in
the preparation of a food, dispose of the container in the same manner as
required for can products. Sponges, cloths, rags and gloves that may have
come into contact with contaminated food or containers should be discarded
with the food in the non-recyclable trash. 

Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin.
Symptoms of botulism include double vision, blurred vision, drooping
eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth and muscle
weakness. The illness can cause paralysis, respiratory failure and death.
Symptoms usually occur from 18 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food.

More than 80 products canned at the Castleberry's Food Co. plant in
Augusta, Ga., are included in this recall, which was announced July 18
after four cases of botulism were confirmed in Texas and Indiana. Since
the recall was expanded July 21, there has been another case in California
and unconfirmed cases in Hawaii and New Mexico.

For further information on the recalled products, please contact your
local health department at 560-7800. Information about botulism or
disposal guidelines can be obtained online at the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention Web site, www.cdc.gove/botulism. Information about
the recall can be obtained on the following Web sites.

·        Castleberry’s Foods – www.castleberrys.com/new_productrecall.asp

·        U.S. Department of Agriculture –
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_033_2007_expanded/index.asp 

·        U.S. Food and Drug Administration – www.fda.gov

·        N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – www.ncagr.com


Contact:           Brian Letourneau, Durham County Health Director

                        919-560-7650