Clostridium botulinum fears prompt FDA action
Juices Incorporated (aka Juices International and Juices Enterprises) of Brooklyn, New York is continuing to manufacture and distribute juice products and other beverages in violation of a consent decree, said the agency.
Botulism can cause general weakness; dizziness; double-vision; and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms.
Consent decree failures
On June 21, 2012, US District Court Judge Sandra L. Townes for the Eastern District of New York issued an Order to Enforce Consent Decree after the owners of Juices Incorporated failed to comply with the requirements of the Consent Decree.
FDA said its investigators recently confirmed that Juices Incorporated and its owners continue to manufacture and distribute juice products and other beverages in violation of the Consent Decree and the Court's Order to Enforce Consent Decree.
Under a January 3, 2011 Consent Decree of Permanent Injunction (Consent Decree), the owners of Juices Incorporated were required to stop manufacturing and distributing any articles of food, including all juice products and other beverages, until they correct the food safety deficiencies and insanitary conditions at their facility.
The US Department of Justice filed a complaint for permanent injunction against the owners of Juices Incorporated on 7 October 2010 after FDA inspections revealed continuing violations of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, including insanitary conditions at the Juices Incorporated facility.
However, the FDA said: “Although Clostridium botulinum has never been found in Juices Incorporated's juice products, FDA is concerned about the firm's continuing production of potentially hazardous juice products despite the requirements of the Consent Decree and Order to Enforce Consent Decree.”
Product details
Juices Incorporated products include: Carrot Juice, Carrot & Beet Juice, Carrot & Ginger, Double Trouble Carrot Punch, Ginger Beet Juice and Beet Juice are of particular concern said the agency.
Juices Incorporated products were recently found in retail establishments and restaurants in the New York City area, and consumers may have moved the products beyond this region.
Products were originally found in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, said the FDA.
