Health Officials Concerned About Contaminated Castleberry Food Items

Castleberry, a low-priced producer of canned foods, has issued a recall. Many of the items on their list happen to be among the most popular foods consumed by local folks here in the mountains of western North Carolina. Low-priced items such as corned beef hash, chili, and beef stew are considered staples around these parts. Certain flavors of dog food were among the recalled items as well. All this has local officials concerned. Are consumers getting the news about the recall? Are they actually checking their pantry shelves or simply consuming what they already own? It's a recall to be taken very seriously since there may be possible contamination with the botulism toxin.

There are more than 80 products on the recall list. Some are under names other than Castleberry. There's a complete list available on line at www.fsis.usda.gov, and officials hope people will do their homework and help their neighbors as well. What is especially problematic is that this recall is occurringnow, during the summer months. This is the height of the season for picnics, sports outings, and family gatherings. Many folks tend to buy items in advance, perhaps during a sale, and stock pile them. While markets have been instructed to pull all the recalled items from their shelves, one wonders if the word has reached those little family-owned storefronts, flea markets, and food banks in some of the backwoods areas spread throughout these dense mountain regions.

Botulism is to be taken extremely seriously. It is a nerve toxin that can cause paralysis or death in its most severe form. So far, no cases of severe illness or even fatalities related to the recall have been reported, according to the local Transylvania Times newspaper. Officials hope to keep it that way. Shoppers have been urged to report any sightings of the recalled items to the local health department, and any items they may already have purchased should be returned to the store from which they were bought.

The success of the recall also depends on the good sense of each consumer. What should be done if one opens a can, with or without the Castleberry label, and has reservations about serving it up to the family? Steve Smith, the Transylvania County Health Director, reminds folks, "When in doubt, throw it out", but he also urges people to dispose of questionable items in a responsible manner. Here are some helpful guidelines:

If the item is a recalled item, do not open or puncture the can. Place the can in a bag that can be sealed. Then wrap it in clear wrap or even plastic grocery bags. Be sure it is completely contained within at least two layers of insulation. Tape up the whole bundle so it can not unravel on its own. Deposit it in a non-recyclable trash bin, whether outside the home or at the local trash collection site. Above all, be sure it is not within reach of both humans and pets. Finally, anyone handling these items should wash their hands with soap for no less than two minutes. The best idea is to wear rubber gloves and eye protection while handling the items in the first place.

A little caution goes a long way. By being vigilant and sharing information, small mountain towns like Brevard can keep their citizenry healthy.