Food recalled for botulism threat still on shelves

0 Comments | USA TODAY, July, 2007 | by Julie Schmit and Elizabeth Weise

Products recalled last week because of potential contamination with the deadly botulism bacteria remain on store shelves, posing a danger to consumers, food safety officials said Thursday.

The nationwide recall of cans of chili, hot dog chili sauces, stews, and other products by Castleberry Food covers 27 brands and 91 products sold at an estimated 17,500 retail outlets, including Kroger, Piggly Wiggly and Costco.

Four illnesses have been confirmed.

Botulism poisoning, while rare, is one of the deadliest food risks to humans and is often caused from eating foods that were underheated while being canned. Victims can suffocate as the bacteria attacks nerves and shuts down muscles for breathing.

Retailers have been slow to pull Castleberry's...