Nearly 300 Coffee Products Are Being Recalled Nationwide Over Concerns of Botulism Contamination — Here's What to Know

It's time to check your coffee supply, as nearly 300 coffee products — including popular brands such as Intelligentsia, Coffee Hound, Bolt, and Cape Cod Coffee — have been recalled over botulism fears. 

On June 20, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a recall for canned coffee products made by Snapchill, a Wisconsin-based company, out of fears they contain botulinum toxin. 

The company shared in the recall release that it's voluntarily recalling "all canned coffee products manufactured by the company, within the expiration date, because their current process could lead to the growth and production of the deadly toxin, botulinum toxin, in low acid canned foods." The FDA added that the recall was initiated after it was notified that Snapchill's low-acid canned foods process for manufacturing had not been filed with the FDA, which is a required regulation. 

The FDA announcement added that botulism is a "potentially fatal form of food poisoning that can cause everything from general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and trouble with speaking or swallowing" to "difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension, and constipation may also be common symptoms." Symptoms can begin as early as six hours after consumption and lasts up to two weeks. 

The canned coffee products were distributed to coffee roasters and retailers nationwide and through direct online sales. What makes it a bit more difficult is that the products are sold "under a range of roaster and brand names, in variety of metal can sizes ranging from 7 oz to 12 oz." However, the products are more easily identifiable as they all contain the labeling, “Produced and distributed by Snapchill LLC” underneath the nutrition facts panel. 

Importantly, the FDA recall noted, "No illnesses have been reported to date, and Snapchill is not aware of any instances in which the company’s products contained botulin toxin. Snapchill is working on filing the appropriate notification with FDA." 

Consumers who have any of the products should either destroy or return the product to the place of purchase or directly to Snapchill for a refund, so long as they have proof of purchase. The brand also shared that customers should take a photo of the product or products before they attempt to get a refund for further proof. If you have questions about the recall or how to file for a refund, you can reach the company directly at Compliance@snapchill.com or by phone at (920) 632-6018.

The full recall list, in alphabetical order, can be found here.