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Georgia Botulism and Carrot Juice

Three cases of botulism in Georgia have been linked to Bolthouse Farms carrot juice. Below is a warning issued by the State of Georgia regarding Bolthouse Farms carrot juice. Pritzker | Ruohonen & Associates, a leading food poisoning litigation law firm, is reprinting the Georgia 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 Pritzker | Ruohonen 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 e-mailing info@pritzkerlaw.com or filling out the online, attorney-consultation form.

September 29, 2006, State of Georgia Warning Regarding Cases of Botulism Linked to Carrot Juice
The Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Division of Public Health are warning consumers to avoid a brand of carrot juice following an investigation that linked the product to three cases of botulism in Georgia. An additional case of botulism caused by this product but from a different lot number was identified by health officials in Florida this week.

“We recommend that Georgia residents not purchase or consume Bolthouse Farms carrot juice until the manufacturer can ensure the safety of the product,” said Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin.

The carrot juice is manufactured by Bolthouse Farms, Inc., Bakersfield, California, and distributed throughout the U.S. The Georgia and Florida cases drank carrot juice from different lots. The Food and Drug Administration is working with the company to determine possible actions.

The carrot juice is flash pasteurized which is not adequate to kill botulinum spores, and toxin may be produced if the product is not adequately refrigerated.

"In the past three weeks, health officials in both Georgia and Florida have identified four cases of botulism associated with this product," stated Dr. Susan Lance, the state epidemiologist for the Georgia Division of Public Health. "Without proper refrigeration of this product, present botulinum spores may produce the toxin. Botulism is a severe illness that can cause death if a person ingests this toxin in a contaminated food."

Foodborne botulism is caused by ingesting a toxin found in food and often involves improperly processed canned foods, foods that are allowed to spoil, or are not refrigerated properly. Following improper processing or handling, the bacteria found in contaminated food produces a toxin that causes symptoms such as blurred vision, general weakness, difficulty swallowing and speaking, difficulty breathing, and can result in death. Symptoms of botulism usually appear 12 to 36 hours after ingestion, but may take several days. Botulism cannot be spread from person to person.

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Foodborne Outbreaks

Iowa E. coli: Raw apple cider may be associated with an Iowa E. coli outbreak.
University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) E. coli: At least 8 people have been sickened, 7 of them students.
Michigan E. coli Lettuce: A Michigan E. coli outbreak has been associated with bagged iceberg lettuce distributed by Aunt Mid's Produce Company.
Aunt Mid's Lawsuit: People in Michigan, Illinois, New York, Ohio and Oregon have been sickened in an E. coli outbreak.
University of Michigan and MSU E. coli Lawsuit: 7 students at Michigan State University and 3 students at the University of Michigan have contracted E. coli infections.
Hendricks Farm Campylobacter outbreak associated with Hendricks Farm & Dairy in Telford, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Oklahoma E. coli: An Oklahoma E. coli outbreak may be linked to a Locust Grove restaurant.
Nebraska Beef Lawsuit: Nebraska Beef, Ltd. has recalled millions of pounds of beef products and has been linked to 2 outbreaks.
Massachusettes E. coli: A Massachusettes E. coli outbreak has been linked to Nebraska Beef products and Coleman Meat products.
Whole Foods Market Lawsuit: The Whole Foods Market E. coli outbreak is part of the Massachusettes E. coli outbreak above.
Virginia E. coli - Goshen Scout Reservation: Dozens of scouts were sickened in an E. coli outbreak linked to beef.
Georgia E. coli - Barbecue Pit Lawsuit
Ohio E. coli Outbreak: Ground beef may have sickened people in both Michigan and Ohio.
Michigan E. coli Outbreak: Ground beef may have sickened people in both Michigan and Ohio.
Multi-State Salmonella Saintpaul Outbreak: Tomatoes have sickened hundreds of people throughout the United States.
Minnesota Preschool E. coli: Outbreak associated with Wonder World Preschool in Slayton, Minnesota.
Washington E. coli Lettuce: Outbreak associated with commercial romaine lettuce.
Texas Salmonella Saintpaul - Tomato: Outbreak most likely caused by Roma, red plum and/or red round tomatoes.
New Mexico Salmonella Saintpaul Linked to Tomatoes: Outbreak most likely caused by Roma, red plum and/or red round tomatoes.
Nebraska E. coli Outbreak Associated with Roast Beef
Hepatitis A - La Mesa California Chipotle - Lawyer and Lawsuit: San Diego County hepatitis A outbreak
Salmonella - Puffed Rice Recall and Puffed Wheat Recall: Malt-O-Meal cereal recall.
Minnesota Salmonella - Milford Valley Farms Lawsuit: Frozen chicken product.
Salmonella - Agropecuaria Montelibano Cantaloupe Recall: Cantaloupe from Honduras.
Salmonella Litchfield Cantaloupe Lawsuit: Recall of Dole, Chiquita and other brands.
Honolulu E. coli - Sekiya's Lawsuit and Lawyer: E. coli associated with Hawaii restaurant.
Alabama E. coli - Church Supper: Outbreak associated with Eastern Shore Baptis Church.
E. coli - Rochester Meat Company Recall and Lawsuit: Ground beef recall.
E. coli - Jeno's and Totino's Pizza Recall and Lawsuit: Pepperoni on pizza.
E. coli - Topps Recall and Lawsuit: Hamburger patty recall.
E. coli - Cargill/Sam's Club Recall and Lawsuit: Ground beef patty recall.
Listeria - Whittier Farms Recall and Lawsuit: Miscarriage and death linked to milk.
Hawaii Salmonella - Tuna Recall and Lawsuit
Salmonella - Safeway Ground Beef Recall and Lawsuit

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Foodborne Illness