RECALL: Nearly 300 Varieties of Canned Coffee Sold Nationwide Pose Risk of Botulism
A Green Bay, Wisconsin company is recalling its canned coffee products because of the risk of the growth of botulinum toxin.
The products, manufactured by Snapchill, LLC were distributed nationwide to retailers and coffee roasters, as well as direct to consumers through the Snapchill website.
What is Botulism?
While botulism is a rare condition, it is very serious and can even be deadly. The illness is caused by toxins produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The CDC says there are five main types of botulism - foodborne botulism, wound botulism, infant botulism, Iatrogenic botulism, and adult intestinal toxemia - and all of them are considered to be medical emergencies.
The bacteria that make botulinum toxin are found naturally in many places, but it's rare for them to make people sick. These bacteria make spores, which act like protective coatings. Spores help the bacteria survive in the environment, even in extreme conditions. The spores usually do not cause people to become sick, even when they're eaten. But under certain conditions, these spores can grow and make one of the most lethal toxins known. - CDC
Foodborne botulism is the result of consuming food or drink products that have been contaminated with botulinum toxins. These toxins are often the result of improper canning, preservation, and fermentation.
The Sanpchill Recall
The recalled products are sold under many different roaster and brand names, according to the FDA. The affected products are all in 7 to 12 ounce metal cans. All of the products included in the recall will include the following verbiage underneath the cans' nutrition labels: "Produced and distributed by Snapchill LLC”
The problem was identified when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified Snapchill that the low acid canned foods process for manufacturing the recalled products was not filed with FDA, as is required by regulation. No illnesses have been reported to-date, and Snapchill is not aware of any instances in which the company’s products contained botulin toxin. Snapchill is working on filing the appropriate notification with FDA. - FDA
The full list of recalled product brands/names can be found here.
What To Do If You Have Any of These Snapchill Products
If you have any of the affected products, you are encouraged to destroy them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Snapchill is offering full refunds as well if you can provide proof purchase and a photograph of the product before you destroy it. To learn more about the return and refund process, you can email Compliance@Snapchill.com.
Additionally, you can contact the company by phone, Monday through Friday between the house of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm Central Time, by calling (920) 632-6018.
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