Botulism spurs recall of hot dog chili

[Neil D]

WASHINGTON -- Federal health officials warned consumers Wednesday to throw away certain cans of hot dog chili sauce after the product was linked to the first cases of botulism -- a muscle-paralyzing disease -- in commercially canned foods in decades.

An adult couple from Indiana and two siblings in Texas were hospitalized. The warning applies to 10-ounce cans of Castleberry's, Austex and Kroger brands of hot dog chili sauce with "best by" dates from April 30, 2009, through May 22, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration said.

The victims were seriously ill but expected to survive.

The products were made by Castleberry's Food Co., owned by Bumble Bee Seafoods. The company, based in San Diego, had no comment but was voluntarily recalling all potentially contaminated products.

Consumers may call the company toll-free at (888) 203-8446.

Botulism is caused by a toxin made by a bacterium. Symptoms include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and muscle weakness that moves down the body.