Castleberry’s Updates Status of National Canned Food Recall

Food & Drug Administration ^ | 8/1/2007 | news release

[girlangler]

Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company. This listserv covers mainly Class I (life-threatening) recalls. A complete listing of recalls can be found in the FDA Enforcement Report at: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/Enforce.html

Castleberry’s Updates Status of National Canned Food Recall Officials Express Urgent Need for Retailers and Consumers to Identify and Discard Recalled Items Contact: Doug McGraw Fleishman-Hillard (212) 453-2202

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- AUGUSTA, Ga. – August 1, 2007 – Citing a continuing threat to public health, Castleberry's Food Company is urging retailers, food service operations, food banks, charitable organizations and consumers to be diligent in identifying and discarding canned products subject to Castleberry's national recall.

"Our primary focus is making sure that no potentially contaminated products are on grocery shelves, in peoples' homes or in emergency food supplies," said Steve Mavity, SVP Technical Services/Quality Assurance for Castleberry's. "Surveys by our own audit team, as well as those by inspectors from federal, state and local health agencies, confirm that some retail outlets, especially smaller independent and convenience stores, may still have recalled products available for sale. We are renewing our warning not to sell, open, or consume these products."

Castleberry's voluntarily instituted the recall on July 18 due to the risk of botulinum toxin, a toxin which can cause botulism, a potentially life-threatening illness. The company broadened the scope of its recall on July 21 and has temporarily ceased production in its Augusta, Ga. plant, where it is suspected that there was a processing problem on one of the facility's canning lines. Castleberry's continues to work with the FDA and USDA to identify and correct any production issues.

What Consumers and Retailers Should Do "Consumers, retailers, restaurants, food pantries and others should reconfirm that all products included in the recall, regardless of best-by date, are immediately disposed of," Mavity said. "Check the product description and can size of products included in the recall and follow disposal instructions communicated by Castleberry's and recommended by governmental agencies. In addition, consumers should notify family members and friends about the recall."

Mavity added, "To strengthen our outreach to smaller independent grocers, gas stations, and convenience stores, we've re-directed all of our direct retailer, distributor and wholesaler customers to contact their respective customers downstream, to ensure they are aware of the recall and follow the proper removal and disposal instructions."

Castleberry's will assist retailers in disposing of the products through Carolina Supply Chain Services (CSCS). The retailer/distributor hotline to arrange for pickup is 1-800- 821-5293. "CSCS will arrange for immediate collection," Mavity said.

In disposing of any cans that remain in homes, or in retail establishments with just a few cans on hand, Castleberry's and health officials are instructing people to double bag the cans in plastic bags that are tightly closed before being placed in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home. If any of the cans are swollen, bulging or leaking, the consumer should put on gloves and eye protection before double-bagging and disposing of the cans. Slowly remove gloves and dispose of them after use. People should then wash their hands with soap and running water for at least two minutes.

Individuals who feel ill after handling or accidentally consuming any of the recalled products should seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and trouble speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation are also common symptoms.

There is no need to return cans to stores. For refunds and answers to questions, consumers should contact the consumer hotline at 1-800-203-4412 or visit www.castleberrys.com.

Outreach Efforts Continue Since the recall was announced July 18, Castleberry's has:

Issued public warnings through the news media Established a toll-free hotline for consumers that has handled more than 20,000 calls Posted recall information and guidance on the company's Web site at www.castleberrys.com Instituted a refund program available online or via mail (requiring no return of product to retailers) Deployed recall audit teams to conduct on-site inspections at retail outlets across the country (as of July 31, more than 17,500 stores have been audited) Placed recall advertising in consumer publications Begun an effort to reach Spanish-speaking consumers and retailers (the company's Espanol section of Web site dedicated to Spanish speakers will launch August 1) Full Recalled Product Listing "We want to remind consumers that as an added level of safety, we are recalling all products listed below, regardless of 'best by dates' printed on the cans," Mavity said. "We encourage consumers and retailers to focus on the product description and can size as these are the critical details in identifying the recalled products. In order to avoid any potential confusion around case and label UPC codes, we're publishing the complete list without UPC codes."

The products included in the voluntary recall have not changed since the recall was expanded on July 21.

Brand Product Can Size

Austex Beef Stew 15oz

Austex Chili no Beans 15oz

Austex Chili no Beans 19oz

Austex Chili with Beans 15oz

Austex Chili with Beans 19oz

Austex Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10oz

Austex Onion Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10oz

Best Yet Chili with Beans 15oz

Best Yet Corned Beef Hash 15oz

Big Y Chili no Beans 15oz

Big Y Chili with Beans 15oz

Big Y Corned Beef Hash 15oz

Black Rock Chili with Beans 15oz

Bloom Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10oz

Bryan Chili no Beans 15oz

Bryan Chili no Beans 10oz

Bryan Chili with Beans 15oz

Bryan Corned Beef Hash 15oz

Bryan Hot Dog Chili Sauce with Beef 10oz

Bunker Hill Chili no Beans 10oz

Bunker Hill Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10oz

Bunker Hill Spicier Chili no Beans 10oz

Castleberry's Barbecue Beef 10oz

Castleberry's Barbecue Pork in Barbecue Sauce 10oz

Castleberry's Barbecue Pork in Barbecue Sauce 14.5oz

Castleberry's Beef Stew 15oz

Castleberry's Brunswick Beef Stew Chicken & Beef 15oz

Castleberry's Chili no Beans 10oz

Castleberry's Chili no Beans 15oz

Castleberry's Chili with Beans 15oz

Castleberry's Corned Beef Hash 15oz

Castleberry's Creamed Chip Beef Gravy 10oz

Castleberry's Georgia Hash 15oz

Castleberry's Hot Chili with Beans 15oz

Castleberry's Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10oz

Castleberry's Onion Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10oz

Castleberry's Sausage Gravy 10oz

Cattle Drive Beef Stew (Steak) 15oz

Cattle Drive Chicken Chili with Beans 15oz

Cattle Drive Chili no Beans 15oz

Cattle Drive Chili with Beans 15oz

Firefighters Chicken Chili with Beans 15oz

Firefighters Chili no Beans 15oz

Firefighters Chili with Beans 15oz

Food Club Chili no Beans 15oz

Food Club Chili with Beans 15oz

Food Club Corned Beef Hash 15oz

Food Lion Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10oz

Goldstar Chili 15oz

Goldstar Original Chili 10oz

Goldstar Tex-Mex Chili with Beans 15oz

Great Value (Canada Only) Chili with Beans 15oz

Great Value (Canada Only) Hot Chili with Beans 15oz

Kroger Beef Stew 15oz

Kroger Chili no Beans 15oz

Kroger Chili with Beans 15oz

Kroger Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10oz

Lowes Foods Chili no Beans 15oz

Lowes Foods Chili with Beans 15oz

Lowes Foods Corned Beef Hash 15oz

Meijer Chili no Beans 15oz

Meijer Chili with Beans 15oz

Meijer Corned Beef Hash 15oz

Meijer Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10oz

Morton House Chili with Beans (Beef & Chicken) 15oz

Morton House Corned Beef Hash 15oz

Paramount Chili Hot Dog Chili 15oz

Paramount Chili no Beans 15oz

Paramount Chili with Beans 15oz

Paramount Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10oz

Piggly Wiggly Chili no Beans 10oz

Piggly Wiggly Chili no Beans 15oz

Piggly Wiggly Chili with Beans 15oz

Piggly Wiggly Corned Beef Hash 15oz

Prudence Corned Beef Hash 15oz

Southern Home Chili no Beans 15oz

Southern Home Chili no Beans 10oz

Southern Home Chili with Beans 15oz

Southern Home Corned Beef Hash 15oz

Steak 'n Shake Chili with Beans 10oz

Thrifty Maid Chili with Beans 15oz

Thrifty Maid Corned Beef Hash 15oz

Thrifty Maid Hot Dog Chili Sauce 10oz

Triple Bar Ranch Chili no Beans 15oz

Triple Bar Ranch Chili with Beans 15oz

Triple Bar Ranch Chili with Beans Slow Cooked 15oz

Value Time Beef and Chicken Chili with Beans 15oz

Pet Food Products

Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs Chinese Take Out with Sauce with Vegetables and Chicken 15oz

Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs HOBO Chili with Chicken and Pasta 15oz

Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs Irish Stew with Beef, Potatoes and Carrots 15oz

Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs Southern Style Dumplings with Chicken and Vegetables 15oz

Web Site Information and Resource Complete information on the Castleberry's recall for consumers and retailers is available by visiting: www.castleberrys.com www.cfsan.fda.gov www.fsis.usda.gov/ www.cdc.gov/botulism/

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Chili Products (Botulism) Recall

FDA's Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts Page: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html

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[Red Badger]

Dog food?..............and chili on the same production line?..........

[girlangler]

While you’re at it, check the green beans in your cupboard, some of them have botulism too:

Lakeside Foods Issues Nationwide Recall of French Style Green Beans
Contact:
David B. Aggen
920-684-3356

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Manitowoc, WI — August 1, 2007 — Lakeside Foods, Inc. of Manitowoc, Wisconsin is initiating a voluntary recall of 15,000 cases of 14.5-ounce French Style Green Beans because some cans may have been under processed and some cans may have leaked. While no illnesses have been reported these cans have the potential to be contaminated with harmful organisms including Clostridium botulinum. No botulinum toxin has been found in any cans tested to date, however the company continues to test out of an abundance of caution. Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distention and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing theses problems should seek immediate medical attention. Consumers also are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smelled spoiled.

Lakeside is asking consumers who have cans of the French Style Green Beans with the following in the top line of the can code to return them unopened to the place of purchase. EAA5247, EAA5257, EAA267, EAA5277, EAB5247, EAB5257, ECA5207, ECA5217, ECA5227, ECA5297, ECB5207, ECAB5217, ECB5227 and ECB5307.

The product was distributed in the following 20 states AL, AZ CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, MS, NC, NY, OH, OK, TN, TX, VA, WI and Canada. The product was sold with the following labels: ALBERTSON’S, HAPPY HARVEST, BEST CHOICE, FOOD CLUB, BOGOPA, VALU TIME, HILL COUNTRY FARE, HEB, LAURA LYNN, KROGER, NO NAME, NORTH PRIDE, SHOP N SAVE, SHOPPERS VALU, CUB FOODS, DIERBERGS, FLAVORITE, IGA, BEST CHOICE AND THRIFTY MAID.

Lakeside Foods voluntarily recalled the products after learning of a potential problem during routine internal monitoring. Lakeside said it is working closely with the Food & Drug Administration and has identified and corrected the condition that resulted in its decision to voluntarily recall the cans in question. No other Lakeside products are affected by this recall.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-466-3834 Ext 4090. Code and label information will also be posted on their web site www.lakesidefoods.com.

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FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts Page: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html

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[dgallo51]

“Dog food?..............and chili on the same production line?”

You gotta a problem with that?…Isn’t Fido entitled to ‘quality’ food?:-)

[Red Badger]

I’m glad I make my own chili............And forever will from now on..........

[WestCoastGal]

"HILL COUNTRY FARE, HEB" [should be FAIR]

When you're limited to HEB here in Texas and then they try to glut the market with their products it's annoying to say the least. I never buy any of those products because they are inferior. I base this on the stuff they hand out for tasting. I tried them several times and actually had to spit it out in the napkin provided. Yuck.

They continuously replace name brand products with those two of their own and it's getting really old. I'm not the only one who feels that way, neighbors, friends and even people in the market complain when looking for certain brands and only have those two to choose from. At least Walmart, as much as I hate their meat and produce sections, continue to have name brands rather than all Sams stuff.

[dgallo51]

Ur learnin’:-)

[freekitty]

Be very careful when you shop at a Petco here in Houston. I went in there before knowing about Natural Balance special foods for dogs. I asked if they quit selling this special food. They said no; they were over here. In fact they were in a special aisle made to look as if there were only special foods there. I told them I thought it was odd to make customers go to another aisle. No response except a shrug. I went in there about a week or two later. Same thing. Then I found out about the recall and my latest cans had the number on them; but wrong date. My dogs had eaten all of the cans; but thank God no illness from any of them. I could not believe that a big chain like Petco would do this and put their customer’s dogs at risk. Not a word was said to me from putting the cans in my basket to checkout or putting in the car. Believe me they and the FDA are going to get an earful. You know as well as I do; these are devious practices.

[Veto!]

Thanks for the list. Some Natural Balance pet food was also on a previous list a month or so ago.

One problem with things like canned chili is that much of it ends up in food drives for needy families. Sad.

[McLynnan]

I know what you mean. Choices in my area are HEB, Walmart, Sam’s and a few IGA type stores. It gets harder and harder to find national brands and don’t even get me started on the cardboard HEB tries to pass off as fresh bread.

[txmom7]

It IS Hill Country Fare not Fair.
You have fallen hook, line and sinker for the nat’l brand marketing. Many of the products under the HEB label are the EXACT same product in the nat’l brand. EXACTLY the same, same recipe, same factory identical except for a different label, some products are even superior to nat’l brand but you don’t know that if you don’t try them.
HCF is an economy tier and it is often not the same quality but you do pay less. You have no idea what goes into the development of private label products. But you have made up your mind based on what, what your mom told you about store brands and tasting a few things the sample ladies hand out?
Lakeside is a company with a great track record. No one has gotten sick, not even one can has been found to contain botulism. This is a voluntary recall, from an internal audit. This is NOT the Castleberry debacle. Lakeside could have done what Castleberry did and just wait and see if anyone gets sick but they are taking the high road and doing the right thing and recalling tens of thousands of dollars of product JUST IN CASE.
This is not an HEB problem. Lakeside provides over a dozen supermarkets around the country with their green beans, and many other canned vegetables.
HEB is not the perfect company but I’d sure as anything rather give HEB my money than Walmart.

[WestCoastGal]

Since somehow my little post annoyed you, I will try to answer as best as I can to explain my thinking, not that it really matters but here goes.

"It IS Hill Country Fare not Fair. You have fallen hook, line and sinker for the nat’l brand marketing. Many of the products under the HEB label are the EXACT same product in the nat’l brand. EXACTLY the same, same recipe, same factory identical except for a different label, some products are even superior to nat’l brand but you don’t know that if you don’t try them."

Sure some are made by the same factories, but HEB and Hill Country FAIR/FARE are IMO not equal at all to the brand products. At least I think I am still entitled to my opinion.

"HCF is an economy tier and it is often not the same quality but you do pay less. You have no idea what goes into the development of private label products. But you have made up your mind based on what, what your mom told you about store brands and tasting a few things the sample ladies hand out?"

If I had to pay less then I guess I would have to buy their products. My Mother has been dead many years now and we never discussed store vs brand name products as that wasn't a big problem in California. We had MANY markets to choose from. HEB has a stranglehold on other markets here in Texas. The only other choice in small towns WAS Albertsons and they are gone as well. Although I must say the Albertsons here were a far cry from California and Wyoming, so no great loss.

I buy very little in the way of canned vegetables etc. I have never seen Lakeside products so I have no comment on them at all. And, I never put HEB and Lakeside together in my original post. Unfortunately, I am forced to go to Walmart now, not that I want to but I have no choice other than to drive 1 1/2 hours to the city to Whole Foods Market. I certainly would never buy produce or meat from Walmart or any fish that comes from China etc.

The best thing HEB has is it's floral department I will give them a B+ for that section. Their meat is about a D and their deli section is a C- because they don't properly wrap their products. I have bought some sliced turkey and beef that was already slimy. Of course, that is if you can get someone to wait on you. Also, I agree with McLynnan that the bread is like cardboard. My neighbor just two days ago brought home a french bread, cut one slice, took one bite and threw the rest away. Now, the MORE expensive bread they have like $4.99 a loaf is pretty good.

I'm wondering do you work for HEB or HCF? Why did my post aggravate you so much? I was just voicing my opinion.

Finally, I will just add that there is so much prepackaged junk stuff from meat to prepared foods it's no wonder the obesity rate is climbing. It's unfortunate that we can't get a more healthy option. Oh, one last thing that reminded me, the produce section at HEB is definitely a D as well. The organic produce is worse looking than the other and the avocados and tomatoes have flies flitting about. Not very appetizing.