FDA warns of botulism risk in chili sauce

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Some cans of hot dog chili sauce sold under various brand names may be contaminated with the bacteria that causes botulism and should not be eaten, the Food and Drug Administration warned on Wednesday.

Two children in Texas and an Indiana couple became seriously ill and have been hospitalized after eating suspect hot dog chili products, the FDA said in a statement.

It warned that 10-oz cans of Castleberry's Hot Dog Chili Sauce, Austex Hot Dog Chili Sauce and Kroger Hot Dog Chili Sauce should not be consumed because of the risk of botulism.

The products were made by Augusta, Georgia-based Castleberry Food Company and have been recalled.

Clostridium botulinum bacteria can cause botulism, a potentially fatal illness. Symptoms include dizziness, double vision, difficulty in breathing and abdominal distention.

The products affected by the recall carry codes that begin with the letters U-P-C, followed by 10 digits. The lids are stamped with "best by" dates from April 30, 2009 through May 22, 2009.

These products or any foods made with them should be discarded immediately, the FDA said.