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Botulism Poisoning Reaches California Shores
August 09, 2007

The botulin toxin, which is marketed by plastic surgeons by its more common name of Botox, can be the best friend of people looking to reduce the lines and wrinkles of aging. However, in an uncontrolled environment, the toxic bacteria can cause botulism, which can lead to muscular paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death.

Traces of botulin toxin were found in cans of chili sauce, hot dog sauce, and other canned food products manufactured by Castleberry's Food Products, which is owned by San Diego, California based Bumble Bee Seafoods. Four cases of suspected poisoning have previously been reported from all over the country, and on July 27^th California health officials confirmed the fifth case occurred in San Diego. An unidentified 51-year-old resident was hospitalized for close to 10 days with symptoms of botulism before being discharged.

The threat of botulism is so severe that California health officials issued warnings urging citizens to safely dispose of all Castleberry's canned products that they have in their homes or in stores. With contaminated Castleberry's products dating as far back as a couple of years, millions of these deadly cans are believed to still be on supermarket store shelves and in household cupboards. While most food sellers have been responsive, health officials admit they are experiencing difficulties getting the message across to small town grocery shops and mom-and-pop stores.

The levels of contamination are reported to be so severe that unopened cans of Castleberry's products have started to bulge and literally burst at the seams with the gas produced by the botulin toxin. When the internal pressure becomes too great for a can of infected food, it can fracture and release the deadly bacteria into the air. The possibility of further spread of botulism through inhaling of these potent gases is further alarming health officials.

Castleberry's Food Products has now admitted that a malfunction in its sterilization equipment led to the botulin bacteria infected cans.

There is enough reason to worry that food safety procedures in this country are getting lax due to oversights by the FDA. July's Castleberry scare was not the first instance of food products being pulled off store shelves because a company did not responsibly ensure their products were suitable for consumption before they left the cannery.

The symptoms of botulism usually appear about a day after eating contaminated food, and include double vision, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. If you believe you have been infected by botulin toxin, go to a hospital immediately. If caught early enough, doctors may be able to administer an antitoxin that can prevent the botulism from worsening.

If you feel you have been poisoned by unsafe products and want to seek legal action, be sure to save the can that the product came in and call the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Reeves Law Group for advice on further course of action.

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