Castleberry's Updates Status of National Canned Food Recall.

Officials Express Urgent Need for Retailers and Consumers to Identify and Discard Recalled Items

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Citing a continuing threat to public health, Castleberry's Food Company is urging retailers, food service operations, food banks, charitable organizations and consumers to be diligent in identifying and discarding canned products subject to Castleberry's national recall.

"Our primary focus is making sure that no potentially contaminated products are on grocery shelves, in peoples' homes or in emergency food supplies," said Steve Mavity, SVP Technical Services/Quality Assurance for Castleberry's. "Surveys by our own audit team, as well as those by inspectors from federal, state and local health agencies, confirm that some retail outlets, especially smaller independent and convenience stores, may still have recalled products available for sale. We are renewing our warning not to sell, open, or consume these products."

Castleberry's voluntarily instituted the recall on July 18 due to the risk of botulinum toxin, a toxin which can cause botulism, a potentially life-threatening illness. The company broadened the scope of its recall on July 21 and has temporarily ceased production in its Augusta, Ga. plant, where it is suspected that there was a processing problem on one of the facility's canning lines. Castleberry's continues to work with the FDA and USDA to identify and correct any production issues.

What Consumers and Retailers Should Do

"Consumers, retailers, restaurants, food pantries and others should reconfirm that all products included in the recall, regardless of best-by date, are immediately disposed of," Mavity said. "Check the product description and can size of products included in the recall and follow disposal instructions communicated by Castleberry's and recommended by governmental agencies. In addition, consumers should notify family members and friends about the recall."

Mavity added, "To strengthen our outreach to smaller independent grocers, gas stations, and convenience stores, we've re-directed all of our direct retailer, distributor and wholesaler customers to contact their respective customers downstream, to ensure they are aware of the recall and follow the proper removal and disposal instructions."

Castleberry's will assist retailers in disposing of the products through Carolina Supply Chain Services (CSCS). The retailer/distributor hotline to arrange for pickup is 1-800-821-5293. "CSCS will arrange for immediate collection," Mavity said.

In disposing of any cans that remain in homes, or in retail establishments with just a few cans on hand, Castleberry's and health officials are instructing people to double bag the cans in plastic bags that are tightly closed before being placed in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home. If any of the cans are swollen, bulging or leaking, the consumer should put on gloves and eye protection before double-bagging and disposing of the cans. Slowly remove gloves and dispose of them after use. People should then wash their hands with soap and running water for at least two minutes.

Individuals who feel ill after handling or accidentally consuming any of the recalled products should seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and trouble speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation are also common symptoms.

There is no need to return cans to stores. For refunds and answers to questions, consumers should contact the consumer hotline at 1-800-203-4412 or visit www.castleberrys.com.

Outreach Efforts Continue

Since the recall was announced July 18, Castleberry's has:

* Issued public warnings through the news media

* Established a toll-free hotline for consumers that has handled more than 20,000 calls

* Posted recall information and guidance on the company's Web site at www.castleberrys.com

* Instituted a refund program available online or via mail (requiring no return of product to retailers)

* Deployed recall audit teams to conduct on-site inspections at retail outlets across the country (as of July 31, more than 17,500 stores have been audited)

* Placed recall advertising in consumer publications

* Begun an effort to reach Spanish-speaking consumers and retailers (the company's Espanol section of Web site dedicated to Spanish speakers will launch August 1)

Full Recalled Product Listing

"We want to remind consumers that as an added level of safety, we are recalling all products listed below, regardless of 'best by dates' printed on the cans," Mavity said. "We encourage consumers and retailers to focus on the product description and can size as these are the critical details in identifying the recalled products. In order to avoid any potential confusion around case and label UPC codes, we're publishing the complete list without UPC codes."

The products included in the voluntary recall have not changed since the recall was expanded on July 21.

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Web Site Information and Resource

Complete information on the Castleberry's recall for consumers and retailers is available by visiting:

www.castleberrys.com

www.cfsan.fda.gov

www.fsis.usda.gov/

www.cdc.gov/botulism/