Today, the California Department of Public Health and San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency announced that a 51-year-old woman had been hospitalized with botulism poisoning in San Diego County.   The two public health agencies are jointly investigating the cause of her illness, which may be associated with the consumption of recalled Castleberry food products. 

According to a press release on the California Department of Public Health website, prior to her illness, the woman had purchased and eaten Kroger Chili with Beans, one of the products that has been recalled, prior to becoming ill with botulism in July.  The woman was hospitalized, but has since been released and is recovering at home. 

The press release continues:

“The confirmed case of botulism poisoning in San Diego reminds us of the serious health risk posed by this toxin,” Horton said. “Californians should remain vigilant about not consuming the recalled products. If you have the recalled product, discard it immediately.”

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 two states 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.

Castleberry has recalled all products identified below, 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 California club stores, drug stores, grocery markets, military base commissaries and discount retailers.