Castleberry’s, a San Diego-based food processor and canner, has launched a recall of a number of human food items due to the risk of the presence of botulinum toxin. In addition, the following canned Natural Balance brand pet food products, which Castleberry’s co-packs for Natural Balance, are being recalled.
These include:
- Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs Irish Stew With Beef, Potatoes & Carrots, 15 oz can (UPC 2363359860)
- Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs Chinese Take Out With Sauce With Vegetables and Chicken, 15 oz can (UPC 2363359861)
- Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs HOBO Chili With Chicken & Pasta, 15 oz can (UPC 2363359863)
- Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs Southern Style Dumplings With Chicken & Vegetables, 15 oz can (UPC 2363359862)
There have been no reported illnesses linked to Natural Balance canned pet food, but Castleberry’s recommends that all these products should be discarded. Additional instructions for safe disposal can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/botulism/botulism_faq.htm.
While botulism can affect some pets, dogs and cats are inherently resistant. The disease has only been seen occasionally in dogs and has not been reported in cats. Ferrets are highly susceptible to botulinum toxin.
The incubation period can be two hours to two weeks; in most cases, the symptoms appear after 12 to 24 hours. Botulism is characterized by progressive motor paralysis. Typical clinical signs may include muscle paralysis, difficulty breathing, chewing and swallowing, visual disturbances and generalized weakness may also occur. Death usually results from paralysis of the respiratory or cardiac muscles.
Pet owners who have used these products and whose pets have these symptoms should contact their veterinarian immediately.
More information on the recall of both human and pet food products can be found on Castleberry’s Website
