Botulism Linked to Bolthouse Farms Carrot Juice

Four cases of botulism have been linked to Bolthouse Farms carrot juice. One victim of the botulism outbreak, a Florida woman, is now suffering from paralysis. The three other victims were all sickened in Georgia. Below is the FDA warning regarding Bolthouse Farms carrot juice. PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a leading food poisoning litigation law firm, is reprinting the FDA warning regarding Bolthouse Farms carrot juice and botulism here as a public service. If you have consumed Bolthouse Farms carrot juice and now have botulism, a lawyer at PritzkerOlsen, P.A. can be contacted toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 for a free consultation. You may also contact a lawyer at the law firm by filling out the online, attorney-consultation form.

FDA September 29, 2006, Warning: Consumers Not To Drink Bolthouse Farms Carrot Juice Due to Botulism Concerns

In response to a fourth case of botulism being linked to Bolthouse Farms, Bakersfield, California brand carrot juice, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to drink Bolthouse Farms Carrot Juice, 450 ml and 1 liter plastic bottles, with "BEST IF USED BY" dates of NOV 11 2006 or earlier. Consumers should discard Bolthouse Farms carrot juice. FDA is also reiterating its advice to consumers to keep carrot juice — including pasteurized carrot juice — refrigerated.

The fourth case of botulism poisoning involves an adult female in Florida who is currently suffering from paralysis. To date, one link between the illness and the consumers appears to be that the juice they drank was not properly refrigerated once it was in the home, which allowed the Clostridium botulinum spores to grow and produce toxin. FDA is investigating other possible links.

Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium commonly found in soil. Under certain conditions these bacteria can produce a toxin that if ingested can result in botulism, a disease that may cause paralysis or death. Cases of botulism from processed food are extremely rare in the U.S.

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.

Adequate refrigeration is one of the keys to food safety and is essential to preventing bacterial growth. Refrigerator temperatures should be no higher than 40°F and freezer temperatures no higher then 0°F. Consumers should check the temperatures occasionally with an appliance thermometer.

Consumers should look for the words "Keep Refrigerated" on juice labels so they know which products must be kept refrigerated. FDA is looking into whether industry's current juice labels provide clear refrigeration instructions.

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