Brooklyn Roasting Company Recalls Cold Brew in New York and New Jersey Over Botulism Risk
Key Takeaways
- •Brooklyn Roasting Company is recalling 2.5-gallon bags of pasteurized cold brew concentrate distributed in New York and New Jersey due to a potential botulism risk.
- •Room-temperature storage of the affected products could allow Clostridium botulinum bacteria to grow and produce dangerous toxins.
- •The recalled products were distributed between April 1 and June 20 and carry best-by dates ranging from June 3 through September 30.
- •No illnesses linked to the recalled cold brew products have been reported so far.
- •Botulism is a rare but serious illness that can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, paralysis, and potentially death, typically beginning 12 to 36 hours after exposure.
Brooklyn Roasting Company, a New York-based coffee company, is recalling certain cold brew products sold in New York and New Jersey because of a potential botulism risk, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The company issued the recall this month for 2.5-gallon bags of pasteurized cold brew concentrate after determining that storage at room temperature could allow the growth of Clostridium botulinum and the formation of botulinum toxin.
The affected products were distributed between April 1 and June 20. They carry best-by dates ranging from June 3 through Sept. 30.
The risk is tied to storage conditions, a key issue for packaged beverages that may require refrigeration or other controls to prevent bacterial growth. Botulinum toxin cannot be reliably detected by sight, smell or taste, which is why regulators treat potential contamination as a serious food safety concern even when no illnesses have been reported.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves and can be fatal. Foodborne botulism symptoms typically begin 12 to 36 hours after exposure and can include trouble swallowing, dry mouth, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, upset stomach, difficulty breathing and paralysis.
Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with botulism is urged to seek emergency medical care immediately.
No illnesses linked to the recalled cold brew products have been reported.
Brooklyn Roasting Company sells its products through its cafés, other coffee shops, gourmet grocery stores, independent markets and online, according to The Patch. The company did not specify where the affected cold brew products had been distributed.
Brooklyn Roasting Company did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.