Hundreds of canned coffee manufactured by Snapchill LLC, a Wisconsin-based company, are being recalled over the potential contamination of a rare, deadly toxin.
Snapchill is voluntarily recalling these coffee products, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Botulism Concerns
Almost 300 types of this canned coffee is being fully recalled and taken off of shelves around the United States over botulism worries.
Snapchill realized that their manufacturing process could possibly lead to their canned coffee products becoming contaminated with this rare yet deadly toxin.
The Growth of the Toxin
This new recall alert from the company explained that their manufacturing process “could lead to the growth and production of the deadly toxin, botulinum toxin, in low acid canned foods.”
Botulism can potentially become a very severe and deadly form of food poisoning in those who ingest this toxin.
The Discovery of Botulinum Toxin
These problems with their manufacturing process were first revealed to the company when the FDA apparently got in contact with Snapchill to explain that their process hadn’t yet been properly filed with the agency.
This filing is required. A look into the process then led to the realization that this toxin could possibly contaminate their canned coffee products.
Products Impacted
The Snapchill canned coffee that has been affected by this recall was sold nationwide to various retailers. These products were also sold under various brand and roaster names, as well as different metal can sizes.
However, the alert states, “The products are identifiable by the language ‘Produced and distributed by Snapchill LLC’ underneath the nutrition facts panel. Some of the products can also be identified by the text ‘Snapchill Coffee’ on the label.”
Destroy Contaminated Coffee
The FDA has stated that customers who have purchased these potentially contaminated canned coffee products should destroy the item by throwing it away. They should not continue to use this item.
Customers can also return the product to either Snapchill or the place they purchased it. In doing this, they can receive a refund.
Illnesses From Contamination
So far, the FDA has noted that there have been no reported illnesses from this recall or potential contamination. Snapchill also clarified that they haven’t actually found any botulinum toxin in their products — even though this possibility has resulted in the recall of their coffee products.
However, both the company and the FDA are keeping a close eye on this situation to ensure they lower the risk of people accidentally ingesting this toxin.
Botulism Symptoms
People who eat food that is contaminated with botulinum toxin can get botulism, a rare but incredibly serious food poisoning. Symptoms may start anywhere from six hours to two weeks after ingesting this contaminated food.
Symptoms can include general weakness and dizziness, as well as trouble breathing, speaking, and swallowing. Weakness of muscles, constipation, and abdominal distension can also occur.
Receiving Emergency Care
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned the public that if they have any of these botulism symptoms, they should immediately get emergency care from their local medical services.
As this food poisoning can potentially become deadly, getting aid sooner, rather than later, is essential.
Other Coffee Recalls
Snapchill’s voluntarily recalled coffee products are just the latest coffee items that have been pulled off shelves in the last few weeks.
The FDA also recently announced that Waco Bottling LLC had voluntarily recalled coffee concentrate products they were selling online on Amazon over ingredient labeling concerns. The FDA also classified this recall’s list level as Class III.
Many Recalls Seen This Summer
This summer alone has seen a variety of different recalls — and for various reasons. About 25 states have been impacted by an ice cream recall from Abilyn’s Frozen Bakery.
This ice cream could possibly be contaminated with the listeria bacteria, which can also cause severe illnesses in those who ingest it.
Pet Food Recalls
Regular human food isn’t the only thing being recalled. Pet food and treats have also been voluntarily recalled by different companies over worries of bacteria contamination — and even contamination of foreign metal objects.
Most recently, Green Tripe dog treats have been taken off shelves around the country after it was discovered that small metal objects could be possibly found in these pet treats.
