FDA has recalled Jarritos Coconut Water 12-can cartons as the seal on the lid of the cans may be compromised. This could lead to leakage of the cans and they could become susceptible to bacterial growth of illness-causing Clostridium botulinum.
The recall was issued by Tipp Distributors, Inc. on November 4 and is ongoing. The recall was renewed by the company on December 10. It included 169,438 cases, which is a total of 2,033,256 Jarritos Coconut Water cans, that were distributed in the US.
Retailers and consumers are advised to not use, sell, or distribute the affected product.
What is Clostridium botulinum?
Clostridium botulinum is a type of bacteria primarily known for producing botulinum toxin. It is one of the most potent neurotoxins known to science. A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said, “Foodborne botulism can happen by eating foods that have been contaminated with botulinum toxin.” It revealed the “sources of foodborne botulism are homemade foods that have been improperly canned, preserved, or fermented.”
This means that a can of coconut water with a broken seal could be a potential home for such toxic bacteria. A report by Food Safety News added that botulism poisoning can "paralyze the muscles needed for breathing, resulting in sudden death."
What to do in case you consume the affected coconut water?
Watch out for symptoms of botulism poisoning in case you accidentally consume the affected coconut water. A report by the CDC stated that it takes up to 18 to 36 hours for the symptoms to set in after exposure to the bacteria. They can also appear 10 days later.
“The spores usually do not cause people to become sick, even when they're eaten. But under certain conditions, these spores can grow and make one of the most lethal toxins known.” The CDC report said.
There are five kinds of botulism, according to the CDC website.
1) Foodborne botulism
It can happen on eating foods contaminated with botulinum toxin. This includes both homemade and store-bought food.
2) Wound botulism
It can happen if spores get into a wound and produce a toxin. For instance- a traumatic injury like a motorcycle crash or surgery can be a breeding ground for such bacteria.
3) Infant botulism
When infants happen to ingest spores of the bacteria, they germinate in the immature gastrointestinal tract of babies which leads to the production of toxins. It particularly affects infants under 12 months old.
4) Iatrogenic botulism
It occurs as a result of medical treatment. The condition arises when excessive amounts of toxin are injected into the patient, especially during cosmetic or therapeutic procedures.
5) Adult Intestinal toxemia
It results when an adult ingests the spores of bacteria. The seeds germinate inside and can make botulinum toxins. It is similar to infant botulism.
How many states were affected by the recall?
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The recall for Jarritos Coconut water cans has affected a total of 29 states across the US including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
FDA has advised you to discard or throw away the recalled product immediately in case you come in contact with it.
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