A neurotoxin concern has prompted the recall of more than 3,000 gallons of cold brew concentrate distributed by Brooklyn Roasting Company, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Federal regulators say storage conditions may allow the formation of Clostridium botulinum toxin, which can cause a rare but serious paralytic illness called botulism. The recalled concentrate was sold to wholesale customers in New York and New Jersey, and the company says no illnesses have been reported, as of July 23, President and CEO James Munson told business partners in an email obtained by USA TODAY.
Clostridium botulinum is found naturally in many places but rarely makes people sick, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Under certain circumstances, the spores made by Clostridium botulinum can make one of the most lethal toxins known though. Conditions in which the spores can become toxic include low to no oxygen, low acidity, low sugar, low salt, a certain temperature range and a certain amount of water, according to the CDC.
What Cold Brew Is Recalled?
Brooklyn Roasting Company’s wholesale Pasteurized Cold Brew Concentrate is affected by the recall. The concentrate was sold to business partners, not directly in stores to customers, Munson told USA TODAY.
The concentrate was sold in 2.5-gallon bags, distributed in boxes between April 1, 2025 and June 20, 2026, according to the FDA report. The concentrate’s best by codes range between June 30, 2026 and Sept. 30, 2026.
Cold brew served in Brooklyn Roasting Company cafes is a refrigerated product and is not a part of this recall, Munson said. Brooklyn Roasting Company cold brew cans are also not a part of the recall.
Where Was the Recalled Cold Brew Sold?
Brooklyn Roasting Company’s Pasteurized Cold Brew Concentrate was sold to business partners in New York and New Jersey, according to the FDA report.
What Are the Symptoms of Botulism?
According to the CDC, common symptoms of botulism include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle weakness
- Double vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty moving the eyes
Consumers should seek emergency medical attention if they begin to have difficulty breathing.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].
Reporting by Greta Cross, USA TODAY / USA TODAY Unlimited Use. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.
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