Botulism Alert
- Two children in Texas and an Indiana couple who ate Castleberry chili products became seriously ill and have been hospitalized.
- Symptoms of botulism poisoning can begin from 6 hours to 10 days after eating food that contains the toxin. Symptoms may include double vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness that moves progressively down the body, affecting the shoulders first then descending to the upper arms, lower arms, thighs, calves, etc. Botulism poisoning can also cause paralysis of the breathing muscles that can result in death unless assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation) is provided.
- Individuals who show these symptoms and who may have recently eaten Castleberry’s Hot Dog Chili Sauce, Austex Hot Dog Chili Sauce, or Kroger Hot Dog Chili Sauce should seek immediate medical attention. Corned beef hash and barbeque pork have also been added to the list. For a complete list, go to www.cdc.gov/botulism.
- Certain dog foods have also been added to an expanded list of suspect products including: Natural Balance Eatables dog varieties – Irish Stew with Beef Dog Food, Chinese Take Out with Sauce with Vegetables and Chicken Dog Food, Southern Style Dumplings with Gravy with Chicken and Vegetables Dog Food, and Hobo Chili with Chicken Pasta Dog Food.
- 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.
