Coffee Company Recalls More Than 3,000 Gallons of Cold Brew Concentrate Over Botulism Risk

Brooklyn Roasting Company has issued a significant recall of over 1,200 units of its cold brew concentrate due to concerns regarding potential botulism contamination. This voluntary action affects more than 3,000 gallons of the popular beverage, prompting urgent advice for consumers in New York and New Jersey to check their products.

The recall specifically pertains to Brooklyn Roasting Company’s Pasteurized Cold Brew Concentrate, which is packaged in 2.5-gallon bags. These products were distributed between April 1 and June 20 of 2026, with best-by dates ranging from June 3 to September 3 of the same year. Consumers are advised to inspect their inventory for any coffee concentrates bearing codes from 063026 through 093026 and dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase.

Health officials have identified a serious risk associated with the improperly stored concentrate: the potential formation of Clostridium botulinum toxin, a potent neurotoxin that causes botulism. The recall notice highlights that “ambient storage” conditions, where the concentrate is not kept at the appropriate temperature, can facilitate the development of this hazardous toxin.

The implications of botulism are severe, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms associated with the condition can include muscle weakness, which in severe cases can affect breathing and result in fatalities. The CDC emphasises the danger of the botulinum toxin, noting that it is invisible to the naked eye, tasteless, and odourless, making it nearly impossible for consumers to detect without specific testing.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this recall as a Class II. This designation indicates that exposure to the product could potentially lead to short-term health consequences that may be reversible. However, there is a low probability of serious health repercussions. The urgency of the situation is underlined by the CDC’s warning: consuming even a small amount of food containing the toxin could prove fatal.

Consumers who may have consumed the contaminated cold brew concentrate are advised to be vigilant for symptoms that could manifest within hours of ingestion. Initial signs may include difficulty in swallowing or speaking, as well as breathing problems, nausea, and blurred vision. Other symptoms can also encompass gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea.

Individuals experiencing any of these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Prompt care is crucial since recovery from botulism may take several months and often requires extensive rehabilitation therapy. While antitoxins can help mitigate the effects of the toxin, they cannot reverse any damage that has been sustained.

Brooklyn Roasting Company has not yet provided a statement in response to inquiries about this recall. This lack of communication leaves consumers seeking clearer guidance on the necessary steps to take regarding the recalled product and their safety.

In a time when cold brew coffee has surged in popularity, it remains essential for consumers to stay informed about product safety. This situation serves as a timely reminder to regularly check the storage conditions and expiry dates of all food and beverage items, particularly those that have been identified in safety notices.

As the investigation into the storage and handling of the products continues, the company is expected to enhance its protocols to ensure the safety of its consumers in the future. Brookly Roasting Company’s decision to recall these products demonstrates a commitment to consumer safety, highlighting the importance of taking proactive measures in addressing potential health risks associated with food and beverages.