Recall Procedures Tested Once Again

CAROL ANGRISANI

SALISBURY, N.C. — Following a published report that certain recalled Castleberry's Food Co. products were not removed, retailers are taking wide-ranging measures to ensure all products on their shelves are safe for sale.

Salisbury, N.C.-based Food Lion instituted an electronic notification system that has an accountability component.

“We can verify that each store has pulled the items from store shelves,” spokeswoman Kimberly Blackburn told SN.

As an additional safeguard, Food Lion blocked all recalled UPC codes from its scanners so that they won't ring up for sale.

Food Lion-brand Hot Dog Chili Sauce was among the canned food and dog food that Castleberry's recalled due to the risk of botulism contamination. Big Y, Kroger, Lowes, Meijer and Piggly Wiggly private labels were also included. Augusta, Ga.-based Castleberry's is a Bumble Bee-owned company.

According to a published report, spot checks by government officials found recalled products still for sale after the initial July 18 recall was expanded on July 21 to include more products. The report stated that recalled products were found in convenience stores, gas stations and family-run groceries. A Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman was unavailable for comment.

Lowes Foods, Winston-Salem, N.C., used its website and other methods to alert the public that the recall includes Lowes Foods Chili with Beans, Lowes Foods Chili with No Beans, and Lowes Foods Corned Beef Hash.

“We have a recall process in place in which store managers confirm that product was removed from the shelf,” spokeswoman Dianne Blancato said.

Springfield, Mass.-based Big Y put a notice on its website notifying consumers that the recall includes its Big Y Chili No Beans, Big Y Corned Beef Hash and Big Y Chili With Beans.

Other retailers told SN that they follow special protocol whenever a major recall is announced.

“Stores must pull the product off the shelf and respond with how many items were removed and of which specific varieties,” said Publix spokeswoman Maria Brous. The Lakeland, Fla.-based retailer also posts in-store signs alerting customers to the recall and why the shelf is empty.

The Publix website has been updated to include the latest information about the Castleberry's situation. While Publix has not encouraged customers to return product to the store, it warns those who do to follow strict sanitary procedures. Botulism can be fatal.