FDA issues nationwide coffee recall due to risk of fatal food poisoning
Snapchill LLC, a Wisconsin-based coffee manufacturer, announced that it is voluntarily recalling all canned coffee products manufactured by the company after learning that their manufacturing process could lead to potentially deadly food poisoning.
In the recall alert, Snapchill discovered that its current production process can "lead to the growth and production of the deadly toxin, botulinum." Consumption of this toxin can lead to botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.
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. Symptoms can begin from six hours to two weeks after eating food that contains botulinum toxin. People experiencing these problems after consuming a Snapchill product should seek immediate medical attention.
The canned coffee products were distributed nationwide by Snapchill through various coffee roasters and retail locations, as well as through direct online purchase from Snapchill.
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.
The products are sold under a range of roaster and brand names, in variety of metal can sizes ranging from 7 oz to 12 oz. The products are identifiable by the language "Produced and distributed by Snapchill LLC" listed underneath the nutrition facts panel. Some of the products can also be identified by the text "Snapchill Coffee" on the label.
The specific products subject to this voluntary recall are listed here.
Consumers should either destroy the products or return the product to Snapchill or the place of purchase for a refund. Snapchill will offer full refunds for any of these products, with appropriate proof of purchase including a picture of the product(s) before being destroyed. Full information about the return and refund will be available at [email protected].
Consumers with questions may contact the company any time by email at [email protected], or by phone, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, at (920) 632-6018.