The Centre for Food Safety urges consumers to avoid three types of 10-ounce-can hot dog chilli sauce by the Castleberry Food Company from the US, due to possible contamination by botulinum toxin.

The affected products are Castleberry's Hot Dog Chili Sauce (UPC 3030000101), Austex Hot Dog Chili Sauce (UPC 3030099533) and Kroger Hot Dog Chili Sauce (UPC 1111083942), with best-by dates from April 30, 2009 through to May 22, 2009.

The appeal was made following the US Food & Drug Administration's warning that some people who ate these products became seriously ill.

Botulinum toxin is produced by the bacteria clostridium botulinum. Poisoning by the toxin is life-threatening as it can cause paralysis of the breathing muscles.

The centre has appealed to the trade to stop selling these products and is closely monitoring the situation.