URGENT BOTULISM AND CHILI LAWSUIT INFORMATION: Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today announced that a 51-year-old San Diego County woman has a confirmed case of botulism, a rare illness caused by Clostridium botulinum.  The woman reported purchasing and eating a can of Kroger Chili with Beans, a Castleberry's Food product that has been recalled due to possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum. 

Certain lots of Kroger Chili with Beans, in addition to a number of canned products under different brand names, were voluntarily recalled by Castleberry Food Co. of Augusta, Ga., last week. The recall followed reports of four illnesses of botulism in Texas (2 cases) and Indiana (2 cases) associated with the consumption of Castleberry Hot Dog Chili Sauce.

The Kroger Chili with Beans product consumed by the San Diego County woman was thrown away before tests could be performed to determine if it was the definitive cause of the botulism.  This does not preclude filing a lawsuit against Castleberry's Food Co., Bumble Bee Foods, LLC (owner of Castleberry's Food Co.), Kroger and all other parties that may be liable.  In many of the food poisoning cases we have handled over the years, the contaminated food was not available as evidence.  In those cases, our lawyers used other epidemiological and microbiological evidence to prove fault and recover compensation for damages.

As a public service, Pritzker | Ruohonen is again reprinting the list of all chili and other products recalled by Castleberry's Food Co. (See below.)  DO NOT EAT ANY OF THE RECALLED PRODUCTS.  BOTULISM CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS AND DEATH.

All products identified below are recalled, regardless of their “Best if Used by Date." The products are included in the recall because they may pose a risk. Recalled product was distributed to club stores, drug stores, grocery markets, military base commissaries and discount retailers in California, Indiana, Texas and throughout the United States.  News reports have stated that recalled products are still being sold in some gas stations, small grocery stores, and other locations.  There are also reports of cans of the recalled products exploding due to contamination with botulism-causing Clostridium botulinum.  Please be careful not to eat any of the recalled products.

List of Recalled Products: