Walker’s Wine Juice LLC, based in Forestville, NY, has issued a recall for its pumpkin juice due to potential contamination with Botulism. This announcement follows an inspection by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors who identified that the juice's pH levels were higher than what the "hot fill" schedule allows, indicating an insufficient kill step for microbiological hazards.
Botulism, associated with this recall, is a severe form of food poisoning with symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, and trouble with vision, speech, or swallowing. It can also lead to respiratory difficulty, muscle weakness, and other associated symptoms. Those affected are advised to seek immediate medical help.
The product was distributed through Walker’s Wine Juice's retail outlet in NY and directly to certain wineries across several states including Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The recall affects all lots of the 2.5-gallon bag-in-box and 5-gallon hot pack labeled “pumpkin” as well as 30-, 60-, and 275-gallon bulk containers tagged with the same designation.
Consumers are being advised to contact the company for guidelines on product disposal and reimbursement options. Although no illnesses have been reported to date, this measure is being taken as a preventive step.
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