RALEIGH - Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced today that the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has begun a statewide blitz to make sure canned food products and dog food recalled by a Georgia company have been pulled from shelves.

Castleberry's Food Co. has recalled almost 100 products because they might contain a toxin that causes botulism. The products include several brands of chili, beef stew, corned beef hash and flavors of canned dog food. A list of the recalled products is available online at www.fsis.usda.gov. Click on the link titled "Georgia Firm Expands Recall of Canned Meat Products That May Contain Clostridium botulinum."

"Botulism is a very serious illness, and we want to make sure the public is protected," Troxler said. "Our inspectors are visiting distribution centers, warehouses and retail stores to see that products are no longer for sale.

"Anyone with this product should be careful not to come into contact with it. Throw it away immediately, following guidelines set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," Troxler said. "Even unopened cans should be treated with care and double-bagged before being thrown away."

The CDC recommends that consumers wear gloves and eye protection if dealing with an opened product. Put the product in a sealable bag, then wrap two plastic bags around it and tape it tightly. Dispose of it in household trash out of reach of humans and pets. Slowly remove gloves and dispose after use. Wash hands with soap and running water for at least two minutes.

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. Anyone who is experiencing any of these symptoms should immediately contact a physician. For additional information about botulism or disposal guidelines, visit the CDC's Web site at www.cdc.gov/botulism/botulism.htm.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Castleberry's Consumer Hotline at (888) 203-8446.

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