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Colorado Consumers Advised Not to Drink Bolthouse Farms
Carrot Juice Due to Botulism Concerns October 3, 2006,
DENVER – The Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment Monday joined the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) in issuing an advisory alerting
Colorado consumers not to drink Bolthouse Farms Carrot
Juice, which was found to be linked to botulism poisoning.
The specific product to avoid is Bolthouse Farms Carrot
Juice, which comes in 450 ml and 1-liter plastic bottles,
with “BEST IF USED BY” dates of “NOV 11 2006” or earlier.
Any consumers who currently have any Bolthouse Farms Carrot
Juice in their refrigerators should check for the “BEST IF
USED BY” dates and discard any juice with the above dates.
The carrot juice, manufactured by Bolthouse Farms of
Bakersfield, Calif., has been linked to four cases of
botulism poisoning in Florida. The FDA issued the advisory
after a fourth case of botulism poisoning was reported. All
four cases, reported in Florida, appear to have a common
link of improper refrigeration of the juice once it was in
the home. FDA is investigating to determine if there are
other possible links between the four cases.
Clostridium botulinum, the agent that causes botulism
poisoning, is a bacterium commonly found in soil. Under
certain conditions, such as lack of adequate refrigeration,
these bacteria can produce a toxin that if ingested can
result in botulism poisoning. Susan Parachini, a program
manager for the Department of Public Health and
Environment’s Consumer Protection Division, said, “Cases of
botulism from commercially processed foods are extremely
rare in the United States. However, on those rare occasions
when it does occur, it may result in paralysis or death.”
Parachini said, “One of the critical keys to food safety and
prevention of bacteria growth is adequate refrigeration.”
She advised consumers to maintain their home refrigerator
temperatures at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below and freezer
temperatures at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally,
consumers should look for the “Keep Refrigerated” message on
all food labels, and particularly on juice products, so they
know what products must be refrigerated. Symptoms of
botulism can include: double vision, droopy eyelids, altered
voice, trouble with speaking or swallowing, and paralysis on
both sides of the body that progresses from the neck down,
possibly followed by difficulty in breathing. Anyone
experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical
attention.
There have not been any cases of botulism associated with
the consumption of Bolthouse Farms Carrot Juice reported in
Colorado. All reported cases have been in Florida and are
believed to be linked to inadequate refrigeration. For
additional information, the public may call 303-692-3620.
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