Bursting Cans Heighten Botulism Warnings
Pastor Dale Morgan
Jul 26, 4:26 PM EDT
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Bursting Cans Heighten Botulism Warnings*
By ANDREW BRIDGES
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Cans of recalled food are bursting, swollen with the
bacteria that causes botulism.
The bursting cans were among those being held by Castleberry's Food Co.,
which announced last week a massive recall that now includes more than
90 potentially contaminated products, including chili sauces and dog foods.
News about the bursting cans gives new urgency to warnings from federal
health officials to get rid of the recalled cans from pantries and store
shelves.
Four people have been sickened and hospitalized by the contaminated
food, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The
recall covers potentially tens of millions of cans of food; officials
fear the tally will grow.
Food and Drug Administration investigators believe the company failed to
properly cook some or all the products, allowing the Clostridium
botulinum bacteria to survive the canning process.
The bacteria produce a toxin that causes botulism, a muscle-paralyzing
disease.
"We're not talking here about a bug that lands you in the bathroom for a
few days with diarrhea. We're talking about a toxin that puts you in the
intensive care unit," said Dr. David Acheson, the FDA's lead food safety
expert. "This is foodborne illness with an extra kick in it, big time."
The bacteria thrive in moist, oxygen-free environments; inside canned
food is a perfect place.
As the bacteria grow and reproduce, they produce gases that can cause
contaminated cans to swell and burst. Health officials warn the
extremely potent toxin can infect people if it is inhaled, swallowed or
absorbed through the eye or breaks in the skin.
"The longer this stuff stays in the can, the worse it gets," Acheson said.
Spot checks by the FDA and state officials continue to turn up recalled
products in stores.
People who have any of the recalled products at home should double-bag
and thrown them away, the FDA recommends.
Castleberry's is owned by Bumble Bee Seafoods LLC, based in San Diego.
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On the Net:
FDA botulism information: http://tinyurl.com/324exf