Some canned food products recently taken off grocery store shelves because of a recall already had made their way to Douglas County senior citizens through a state food program.

Castleberry’s Beef Stew was included in distributions from the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services commodities supplemental food program, SRS spokeswoman Abbie Hodgson said. The food was distributed to Douglas County through Topeka’s Let’s Help Inc., she said.

The stew and about 80 other food products under Castleberry, Kroger and other labels have been pulled off store shelves under precautionary guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the federal Food and Drug Administration.

Seniors over the age of 60 make up 90 percent of the recipients of the state commodities distributions, with some items also going to women with children, Hodgson said. The stew was distributed in June and July, Hodgson said.

“At this point in time we have some in our warehouse we’ve put on hold,” she said.

Castleberry Food Co. closed its production facility in Augusta, Ga., a few days ago after 16 cans of chili sauce tested positive for botulism. So far, four cases of botulism have been reported – two from Indiana and two from Texas. All four people consumed Hot Dog Chili Sauce Original, a product made by Castleberry’s.

Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by consumer foods with the botulism toxin, a nerve toxin that left untreated can cause paralysis of the arms, breathing muscles and legs. Symptoms include blurred vision and slurred speech.

Currently, federal guidelines are calling for the Castleberry beef and bison stews to be placed on hold but not recalled.

Although Castleberry is recalling everything made on the one manufacturing line, the only products linked to illness thus far are the chili sauces.

SRS has directed its distributing agencies to notify anyone who received the food products about the situation, Hodgson said.

Dillons grocery stores have removed several products on the list from store shelves, company spokeswoman Sheila Lowrie said. Customers who have purchased any of the products can return them for a refund, she said. The products are being held “until we get further guidelines,” Lowrie said.

Here is a list of products taken off Dillons store shelves: Kroger Chili without beans, Kroger Chili with beans, Kroger Beef Stew, all in 15 ounce cans; Castleberry’s Beef Stew (15 ounces); Castleberry’s Corned Beef (15 ounces); Castleberry’s Sausage Gravy (10 ounces); Castleberry’s Chili without beans (10 ounces); and Castleberry’s Chili without beans (15 ounces).

A Castleberry’s hot line has been set up to answer questions: (888) 203-8446.