Juice recalled over potentially deadly botulism contamination

A New York-based wine company is recalling one of its juice products over fears that it may have been contaminated with a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.

Walker’s Wine Juice LLC of Forestville, New York, is recalling its pumpkin juice because it may be contaminated with botulism, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The product was distributed via Walker’s Wine Juice retail store in New York and was also distributed directly by Walker’s to a limited number of commercial wineries in: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, the agency said.

The products can be identified as follows:

• 2.5-gallon bag in box and 5-gallon hot pack are labeled “pumpkin”; all lots are subject to the recall
• 30-, 60-, and 275-gallon bulk containers are tagged “pumpkin”; all lots are subject to the recall

The potential contamination was discovered after an inspection by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors found that the pumpkin juice pH was too high to be processed per Walker’s “hot fill” schedule process.

As a result, it was determined that no adequate kill step was used to address the possibility of microbiological hazards, the FDA said.

Botulism can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision, and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these issues should seek immediate medical attention, the FDA said.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Consumers are urged to contact Walker’s Wine Juice to determine appropriate disposal of the remaining product and determine other appropriate steps including a calculation of reimbursement.