Bolthouse Farms Issues Voluntary Recall For 100% Carrot Juice

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the following information:

Contact:
Wm. Bolthouse Farms
(661) 366-7205

As a precautionary measure, following incidents involving two bottles of temperature abused 100% Carrot Juice, Wm. Bolthouse Farms of Bakersfield, CA is recalling 100% Carrot Juice. Carrot juice has the potential, if left un-refrigerated, to develop botulism, an illness which can be life-threatening. Proper refrigeration is generally achieved at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

All Bolthouse Farms processing facilities have been examined closely by internal auditors and the FDA, and have been found to be in compliance will all appropriate controlling regulations. In addition, samples from suspect lots have been examined by the FDA, and all samples have been found to be toxin free. These results clearly indicate a likely link between consumer temperature abuse and the development of botulinum toxin.

Consistent with this record of compliance, Bolthouse Farms remains committed to the health and safety of its consumers. This voluntary recall serves as an effort to demonstrate our commitment to providing the safest product possible, regardless of consumer mishandling.

100% Carrot Juice is distributed to all 50 states, Mexico & Canada through retail stores, and is labeled as follows:

"Bolthouse Farms 100% Carrot Juice", sold in both 1 liter and 450 milliliter sizes
"Earthbound Farm Organic Carrot Juice", sold in both 1 liter and 450 milliliter sizes
"President's Choice Organics 100% Pure Carrot Juice" sold in both 1 liter and 450 milliliter sizes.
Use by dates up to and including 11Nov06 are subject to this recall

To date, four people have become ill after consuming what were most likely improperly refrigerated bottles of carrot juice. The incidents involved one liter bottle of carrot juice with a use by date of 18SEP06, and one 450 milliliter bottle of carrot juice with a use by date of 19SEP06. These incidents were reported in Georgia and Florida.

Carrot juice, like other low acid products, must be kept refrigerated to ensure product safety. Properly refrigerated carrot juice poses no risk to consumer health. However, all fresh carrot juice (regardless of manufacturer or brand) has the potential to harbor Botulism if improperly refrigerated or exposed to elevated temperatures for extended periods of time.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, 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 problems should seek immediate medical attention.

Consumers or retailers who feel the temperature control of their carrot juice may have been compromised are encouraged not to consume the product. If there is any question as to the refrigeration state of any carrot juice product, consumers and retailers are advised to discard the product.

Bolthouse Farms remains actively concerned about the health of its consumers, and the proper handling of its products. In light of recent concerns regarding potential risk associated with consumer mishandling of carrot juice, Bolthouse will immediately undertake the industry leading step of modifying its processing to mitigate the potential risk associated with consumer temperature abuse of carrot juice. Consumers who have concerns or questions about juice safety are encouraged to call the FDA at 1-800-SAFEFOOD, or Wm. Bolthouse Farms at (661) 366-7205.

Type of Recall:
Class I - This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.