Simon & Luke has settled a case on behalf of a woman who contracted botulism.  After consuming Castleberry’s Black Rock Chili with Beans in late June of 2007, she began experiencing paralysis, dizziness, blurred vision, muscle weakness, respiratory problems, numbness, tingling, difficulty swallowing, and dry mouth.  Her symptoms persisted for several months and she received medical treatment for her condition.

Eight cases of botulism were reported to CDC, with onset dates ranging from June 29 to August 7, 2007.  All eight persons in the outbreak were reported to have consumed hot dog chili sauce made by Castleberry’s Food Company.

An investigation into Castleberry’s canning facility in Georgia by the FDA and other agencies identified production deficiencies that permitted spores of botulinum to survive the canning process.  Botulinum spores can be present in foods that have not been properly subjected to high temperature and pressure during the canning process.  FDA officials tested 17 swollen cans of Castleberry’s hot dog chili sauce produced on May 8, 2007.  Sixteen of the 17 cans were positive for the botulinum toxin. 

After being informed about the outbreak and FDA’s findings, Castleberry’s Food Company issued a recall of on July 18, 2007.   It  has now closed its Georgia canning facility.