The County Department of Environmental Health has set up a hotline in response to a growing meat recall. 80 chili, beef stew, and other canned meat products have now been pulled off the shelves. 4 people were hospitalized with botulism in Indiana and Texas, after eating the tainted chili.
"We'd like the public to know to discard the product," said Ricardo Encarnacion with the County Department of Environmental Health.
Botulism is a muscle-paralyzing disease that can lead to death. If caught early, it can be treated with medication.
Doctor Richard Clark, Director of Toxicology at UCSD Medical Center says the early symptoms include, "Sore throat, trouble speaking, and you may not be able to open your eyes as well as you normally do." Dr. Clark says if you've eaten chili you think may be contamination, "Don't take any chances and see a doctor."
The contaminated meat products have been traced to the Castleberry Food Company plant in Augusta, Georgia. A spokesperson says an assembly line wasn't working properly, and the canned meat products were not sealed well.
Bacteria in the can led to a toxin that causes botulism.
Castleberry is owned by Bumble Bee, which is based right here in San Diego. FOX6 arranged an interview with a spokesperson from Bumble Bee, but that interview was later cancelled by the company.
Here in San Diego, both Costco and Food For Less pulled the recalled meat products from their shelves. Food For Less sold the Kroger brand, and Costco sold the Cattle Drive brand.
If you have any of the recalled chili, or you have questions concerning the recall, call the County's hotline at (888) 203-8446.
For a complete list of the recalled products, click here.
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