Here’s the company’s statement issued after the news came out that Castleberry’s Food Company has again closed its Augusta, Georgia canning factory:
Castleberry’s Food Company has received notification that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the Temporary Emergency Operating Permit that was issued in September 2007. The permit granted permission for the Augusta, Georgia factory to commence production of FDA products, following a July 2007 voluntary product recall.
Castleberry’s will work closely with the FDA to promptly answer questions and address any possible concerns. Although formal notification has not yet been received, we understand that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) may also require responses.
During this time, Castleberry’s has decided to cease production of all products in the Augusta, Georgia factory. Factory work shifts are temporarily on hold.
We are cooperating fully with the agencies and look forward to a prompt resolution that we can resume operation and work shifts.
It is important to note that the suspension of our temporary permit does not involve any product recall.
For another pair of eyes on the closure, check out what Elizabeth Lee has to say in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Her story inluding the history of Castleberry’s bout with botulism can be found here.