July 24th, 2007 by 
Barbara
At least 4 people have been taken to hospital in Indiana and Texas because of botulism poisoning associated with eating Castleberry’s Hot Dog Chili Sauce.
The food was produced by Castleberry’s Food Company of Augusta, Georgia, and distributed across the nation. This company is now voluntarily recalling every product (about 80 types) manufactured on a specific production line in the past two years. Their products are sold in more than 17,000 stores in the US and Canada.
This operation could involve tens of millions of cans that pose an urgent public health treat to both humans and pets. Currently 4 varieties of ‘Natural Balance’ canned dog food are being recalled.
Though an average of 100 cases of botulism is reported in the US every year, of which 25% are food born, an outbreak of botulism due to commercially canned foods is extremely rare. This has not occurred in more than three decades.
Botulism is a serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin, botulin. This toxin is produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria strain and it a very deadly poison. Death occurs by respiratory and musculoskeletal paralysis.
US regulators are now trying to track down distribution records from the company. Until given the all-clear by health officials, the food plant in Georgia remains closed.
According to the FDA botulism can affect some pets, but they also claim that dogs and cats are inherently resistant. Botulism in pets is rare, though ferrets are highly susceptible. If you have fed Natural Balance canned dog food then observe your dog carefully. Typical clinical signs include muscle paralysis, breathing difficulties, chewing and swallowing difficulties, visual disturbances and generalized weakness. Contact your veterinarian right away when you notice any of these symptoms.
PS A list of all recalled human foods and canned dog food products is available online.
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Posted in Dog Food Recalls | 