Press Release 07/23/2007
Castleberry Recall: GDA continues to inform, investigate and assist
Georgia consumers need to check pantries and shelves
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) continues to assist federal agencies with the recall of canned products due to risk of botulism.
“Besides working along with federal inspectors in the Augusta Castleberry Food Company plant reviewing files and checking equipment and procedures, we have been contacting retail and wholesale food outlets to make sure the recalled products are being removed from sale,” said Tommy Irvin, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture.
“We have also been contacting food banks and any other places these products may be distributed. This has involved sending e-mails, making telephone calls and sending faxes, as well as working with the news media to get the message out. Our inspectors are visiting stores to make sure all the products have been removed from shelves. An extensive and varied list of products is being recalled,” said Commissioner Irvin. “We do not want anything to be overlooked.
” Commissioner Irvin also noted that some large stores can immediately block the sale of certain coded items through their computer system at the checkout in case any item is inadvertently left on the shelves. “However, the safest way of keeping recalled products out of the hands of consumers is to get them out of the sales area,” said Irvin.
“All Georgia residents need to check their pantries and kitchen cabinets thoroughly to make sure all these recalled products are removed, said Irvin. A complete list of recalled products can be found at www.castleberrys.com. People with questions can call Castleberry’s consumer hotline at 1-800-203-4412 or 1-888-203-8446 or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at 1-888-SAFEFOOD.
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