Local residents urged to check their pantries for recalled food

Monday, July 30, 2007

Putnam County residents are being warned by local health officials to check their pantries for food products named in a massive recall due to possible botulism contamination.

The Putnam County Health Department is also warning local merchants to check their shelves and remove those items listed in the recall announced July 19 of Castleberry's Food Co., which is owned by Bubble Bee Foods.

Food produced by the Augusta, Ga. establishment can be found under many brand names such as Great Value, Kroger, Meijer, and other convenient store names.

The problem was discovered during an investigation into illnesses in Indiana and Texas. The investigation led to the nationwide recall.

Each can label or can end bears the establishment number "EST 195" inside the USDA seal of inspection.

Consumers who have any of the products listed above are urged not to eat them, but rather return of dispose of them. Double bag the cans in plastic bags that are tightly closed then place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home.

Castleberry has agreed to recall all of the following products that may still be in commerce, regardless of the "best buy" date stamped on the bottom of the can.

The meat products --including beef stew, chili, corned beef hash, chili with beans, hot dog chili sauce, sausage gravy, and chicken chili -- were tabled for a variety of outlets, including Bunker Hill, Castleberry, Firefighter, Goldstar, Great Value, Kroger, Lowes, Meijer, Morton House, Paramount, Piggly Wiggle, Steak N Shake, and Thrifty Maid

For a complete list of the recalled items, go to www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/castleberry.html.

Consumers with questions about the recall should call the FDA at 1-888-SAFEFOOD.

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