Botulism Risk - Product Recalls

From the office of the Medical Health Officer

Botulism warning for two kinds of Great Value canned chili Sold at Wal-Mart stores only AND some Natural Balance specialty dog food

You may be consulted by patients worried about this botulism risk and product recalls. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and health authorities, including the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), are stepping up warnings about the risk of botulism from certain canned foods marketed under various brand names in Canada and the United States. These products may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. Toxins produced by this bacterium may cause botulism.

The Canadian recall of the canned chili affects the following types (regardless of code date):

1. Great Value Original Chili with Beans, sold in 425 g cans bearing UPC 6 81131 79994 2.
2. Great Value Hot Chili with Beans, sold in 425 g cans bearing UPC 6 81131 79995 9.

These products were sold across Canada, including in British Columbia, at Wal-Mart stores only, and have been recalled. Media alerts have gone out and food banks are being informed of the recall.

In the United States, four cases of botulism have been reported associated with a number of chili products made by the same manufacturer. As of this writing, there have been no reported illnesses in Canada.

Also, Natural Balance Eatables for Dogs: Irish Stew, Hobo Chili, Southern Style Dumpling’s with Gravy, and Chinese take-out in 15 oz cans have been removed from sale in the US and Canada. These dog foods, sold at a variety of retailers in BC, were made by the same manufacturer as the recalled chili. No illness in dogs has been reported.

Patients who still have any of the canned chili or dog food above, or any food made with it, should return it to the store or discard it at once. To dispose of the cans safely, double bag the cans in plastic bags that are tightly closed, then place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home. Additional instructions for safe disposal can be found on the Centers for Disease Control website (US).

If you see a patient with weakness, especially associated with blurred vision, slurred speech, or trouble swallowing:

• ask about the two kinds of Great Value Chili sold at Wal-Mart; and
• in addition to arranging the necessary clinical evaluation, please alert Public Health if the patient has eaten Great Value Chili within two weeks prior to onset of symptoms (contact information at bottom of the page)

Botulism is very rarely seen in BC, with six cases identified in the past 10 years, the last in 2002. Laboratory testing is complex and usually requested by Neurologists, Medical Microbiologists or Emergency Room Physicians. On average, about 11 samples are sent for testing each year.

The signs and symptoms of botulism cover a wide spectrum and may vary according to the type of botulism and the degree of exposure to the toxin. Symptoms can begin anywhere from six hours to two weeks after eating food containing the toxin (usually between 6 and 36 hours). Early symptoms for all forms include double or blurred vision, difficulty speaking and swallowing, dry mouth and fatigue. Nerve damage results in acute paralysis which affects the face, head, throat, chest and extremities. Death can result from respiratory failure. Symptoms in animals are similar to symptoms in humans.

For the full CFIA advisory containing more specifics (including pictures) about these products as well as related products that were sold in the United States, visit the CFIA website.

For more information on botulism, visit the BCCDC website or the Health Canada website.