AUGUSTA, Ga. — Pet food, chili and additional brands of hot dog chili sauce produced by Castleberry Food Products here have been added to its list of recalled items that may be contaminated with botulism. The recall is being expanded after information gathered by the Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated that processing malfunctions at the establishment have existed longer than initially estimated, according to the USDA. Recalled foods include Meijer, Food Lion and Bloom private-label hot dog chili sauces, among others, as well as a number of Natural Balance Eatables dog food varieties. Several store brands of contract-manufactured chili, including those merchandised under the Big Y, Kroger, Lowes, Meijer and Piggly Wiggly private labels, are included on the list. Retailers that have any of these products are asked to assure that they are removed from use and do not accidentally get reintroduced for sale, service or donation. Exposure to the botulism toxin can be fatal and 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, according to the FDA. It is advising consumers who have any recalled products to throw them away immediately, and double-bag the cans in plastic bags that are tightly closed and then placed in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home.
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