Expanded Voluntary Product Recall - FAQ

1) Which products are being recalled?
All of the products on the list. This is a change from the original recall, when only cans with a certain date code were being recalled, so be sure to check your canned food again. We want to remind consumers that as an added level of safety, we are recalling all products listed below, regardless of “Best By” dates printed on the cans. We encourage consumers and retailers to focus on the product description and can size as these are the critical details in identifying the recalled products.

The Great Value Chili products included in this recall are distributed and sold in Canada ONLY. The Great Value brand in the United States is not associated with Castleberry’s or this recall. We greatly apologize for any confusion.

2) What is wrong with these products?
We’re recalling these products as a precautionary measure due to possible botulism contamination. Botulism can cause serious health consequences, and can even be fatal, so it’s important to check your canned goods to ensure they are not part of the recall.

3) Why are you expanding the recall?
We believe we have isolated the issue to a specific line in our production facility, however the investigation is not complete. We think it’s important to expand the recall while we continue investigating to ensure that the families who eat our products every day stay safe and healthy.

4) What should I do if I have one or more of these products?
Do not open or eat any of the recalled products. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that you double bag them in plastic bags that are tightly closed before being placed in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home. If you notice that any of these cans are swollen, bulging or leaking, please put on gloves and eye protection before double-bagging and disposing of the cans. Slowly remove gloves and dispose after use. Wash hands with soap and running water for at least 2 minutes. Additional instructions for safe disposal can be found at www.cdc.gov/botulism/botulism_faq.htm.

5) Can I get my money back?
Absolutely, you can submit one refund request per household/address by printing the refund request form (which you can obtain through this link ) and mailing the completed form with proof of purchase (such as a store receipt) to:

Castleberry¹s Food Company Recall Refund
P.O. Box 85362
San Diego, CA 92186-5362.

Please allow four to six weeks for the processing of your refund.  We thank you for your patience.

6) Where are these products sold (regions and retailers)?
Cans of the recalled products were sold in the United States. Additionally, 15-ounce cans of “Great Value Chili with Beans” and 15-ounce cans of “Great Value Hot Chili with Beans” are sold in Canada.

7) Are all of your products being recalled?
No, only certain products are being recalled, so check the list to see you have any products that are included. The products we are recalling were processed on a specific line in our facility.

8) Is this contamination dangerous?
It can be. We want to be proactive to ensure the safety of our products and the health of our loyal consumers. Do not use these products even if they do not look or smell spoiled. Please dispose of them by double bagging in plastic bags that are tightly closed before being placed in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home, according to the Food and Drug Administration. If you notice that any of these cans are swollen, bulging or leaking, please put on gloves and eye protection before double-bagging and disposing of the cans. Slowly remove gloves and dispose after use. Wash hands with soap and running water for at least 2 minutes. Additional instructions for safe disposal can be found at www.cdc.gov/botulism/botulism_faq.htm.

9) What if I have eaten the affected product?
If you have eaten the affected product and are experiencing the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical care. Symptoms may include general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms.

10) What should I do if I fed Natural Balance canned foods to my pet?
We know how important our pets are. If you have any concerns, talk to your veterinarian right away.

You should check the list of the recalled foods because only some Natural Balance pet foods co-packed at the Castleberry’s facility are involved.

The FDA tells us that, 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, though, are highly susceptible to botulinum toxin. The incubation period can be 2 hours to 2 weeks; in most cases, the symptoms appear after 12 to 24 hours.

Pet owners who have used these products and whose pets are showing symptoms should contact their veterinarian immediately. Typical clinical signs may include muscle paralysis, difficulty breathing, chewing and swallowing, visual disturbances and generalized weakness may also occur.

At this time we are not aware of pet illnesses associated with these products although we recommend that all these products should discarded.

11) What if I have more questions?
You can call our consumer information hotline toll free at 1-800-203-4412.

12) I am a retailer or foodservice establishment, what should I do with the recalled products?
FDA and USDA are currently asking retailers and foodservice operations to respond immediately to remove and secure recalled products, making sure that all recalled products are not inadvertently made available for purchase, salvage or donation and therefore preventing any possibility for human or animal consumption. Information on the safe removal and disposal of recalled products can be found at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsbotul.html.