Juice sold from Forestville to wineries in 12 states recalled over potentially deadly toxin
(WOOD) — A wine juice wholesaler in Western New York has recalled a pumpkin wine juice sold to wineries in a dozen states because it contains a toxin that could be deadly.
Walker's Wine Juice, which is headquartered in Forestville and sells juice to at-home winemakers and commercial wineries, has recalled its pumpkin juice, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The pumpkin juice was sold "to a limited number of commercial wineries" in 12 states, including Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and in the Walker's Wine Juice retail store in New York, the FDA said.
The juice's pH is too high, and potential contamination can cause botulism, a form of food poisoning that can be fatal, the FDA says. Symptoms of botulism include weakness, dizziness, double vision and trouble speaking or swallowing.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, botulism is rare and can also cause difficulty breathing and muscle paralysis. It is caused when the botulinum toxin attacks the body's nerves, the CDC says. The toxin can grow in improperly preserved or fermented foods.
Those who have purchased the pumpkin juice from Walker's Wine Juice should contact the company about disposal and other steps to take. A notice on the company's website asks consumers to call 716-679-1292 with their name and contact information.
"Leave the product alone, and we will get in contact with additional details and next steps," the company said.