The government of Canada is again reminding Canadians about a recall of chili products from Wal-Mart stores, because of the serious risk of botulism.
The chili was sold exclusively at Wal-Mart stores across Canada under the brands:
- Great Value Original Chili with Beans, in 425 g cans bearing UPC 6 81131 79994 2
- Great Value Hot Chili with Beans, sold in 425 g cans bearing UPC 6 81131 79995 9
Anyone who has any of these recalled products should dispose of them immediately.
Any food that may be contaminated with botulinum toxin should be discarded using extreme care. Even a tiny amount of toxin that is eaten or absorbed through a break in the skin or the eye can cause serious illness.
There are no reports of illness in Canada, but in the U.S., at least four people have been hospitalized because of the contaminated chili, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has already issued three public advisories warning consumers about this issue. But it is worried that some Canadians may still have these items in their cupboards.
As well, it worries that other consumers may have stored the canned items at cottages, or taken them on camping trips and other travels.
The federal government is undertaking an enhanced public awareness effort about the recall because of the serious health consequences from eating products contaminated with the Clostridium botulinum toxin. Botulism can lead to paralysis, respiratory failure, and, in severe cases, death.
Dog food recalled
The manufacturer, Castleberry's, is also recalling four varieties of dog food manufactured in the same facility as the recalled chili.
Consumers are advised to dispose of 15 oz cans of Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs sold in the following varieties:
- Irish Stew with Beef, Potatoes and Carrots,
- Hobo Chili with Chicken and Pasta,
- Southern Style Dumplings with Gravy with Chicken and Vegetables,
- Chinese Take-Out With Sauce With Vegetables and Chicken.
Recall in U.S.
Castleberry's has also issued a recall of hot dog chili sauce products sold exclusively in the U.S.
- Castleberry's Austex Onion Hot Dog Chili Sauce, 10 OZ, UPC code 30300-97101
- Castleberry's Austex Hot Dog Chili Sauce, 10 OZ, UPC code 30300-99533
- Castleberry's Hot Dog Chili Sauce, 10 OZ, UPC code 30300-00101
- Castleberry's Onion Hot Dog Chili Sauce, 10 OZ, UPC code 30300-07101
- Castleberry's Bunker Hill Hot Dog Chili Sauce, 10 OZ, UPC code 75266-04152
- Kroger Hot Dog Chili Sauce, 10 OZ, UPC code 11110-83942
- Meijer Hot Dog Chili Sauce, 10 OZ, UPC code 41250-85862
- Food Lion Hot Dog Chili Sauce, 10 OZ, UPC code 35826-06911
- Bloom Hot Dog Chili Sauce, 10 OZ, UPC code 25439-92448
- Thrifty Maid Hot Dog Chili Sauce, 10 OZ, UPC code 21140-21367
Two people in Texas and two people in Indiana remain seriously ill and hospitalized with botulism poisoning associated with eating Castleberry's Hot Dog Chili Sauce.
All the recalled brands were canned in the same plant. The U.S. FDA identified a problem with the canning process. The problem means it is possible that spores of Clostridium botulinum were not killed during canning, so could grow and produce toxins.
