Coffee lovers, it's crucial to stay updated on product recalls to ensure your safety and enjoyment. In recent times, there have been several coffee recalls that have made headlines, and we're here to break down the details for you.
1. Death Wish Coffee Recall
One notable recall involved Death Wish Coffee. The New York - based coffee company, famous for its high - caffeine products and edgy skull - and - bones - adorned packaging, announced a recall of its Nitro Cold Brew canned coffee. The reason? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that the manufacturing process of this product had the potential to produce botulinum toxin. Botulism is a rare but extremely serious illness caused by this toxin, which attacks the body's nerves, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and in severe cases, death. While no consumers had reported adverse effects from consuming this coffee at the time of the recall, Death Wish's founder, Mike Brown, apologized to consumers and stated that the product would be halted until a new production process could be implemented.
2. "Our Family" Traverse City Cherry Decaf Ground Coffee Recall
Another significant recall affected consumers who prefer decaf coffee. Over 4,000 bags of "Our Family" Traverse City Cherry artificially flavored decaf light roast ground coffee were recalled. The issue was mislabeling - some of these 12 - ounce bags were marked as decaffeinated, but they may actually contain caffeine. This mislabeling is a major concern for individuals who, for health reasons, need to strictly avoid caffeine. The FDA classified this as a class II recall, indicating that exposure could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. For those sensitive to caffeine, unexpected intake can lead to jitters, sleep disruptions, or an increased heart rate. The affected coffee was distributed by SpartanNash Company across 15 U.S. states, including Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The specific lot had a best - use - by date of August 3, 2025.
3. illy Coffee Can Recall
In a unique recall, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of some illy coffee bean cans. The issue wasn't with the coffee itself but rather the packaging. Approximately 65,000 cans were found to be without an air valve at the bottom. When opening these cans, the lid could potentially "explode" off due to the build - up of carbon dioxide released by the coffee beans. Although no injuries had been reported at the time of the recall, the risk of the lid hitting the person opening the can, and potentially causing cuts or facial injuries, was significant. This recall applied to 8.8 - ounce cans of illy's dark roast, medium roast, and decaffeinated coffee beans with best - before dates in October and November 2019 and affected the entire North American market. The cans were sold at various retailers, including Publix, Walmart, Kroger, Target, Whole Foods, and on Amazon.
What to Do If You Have Recalled Coffee
If you suspect you have any of the recalled coffee products in your possession:
- Stop Consumption Immediately: Do not brew or drink the coffee. Even if you haven't noticed any ill effects, it's better to err on the side of caution.
- Check for Identification: Look for the specific brand, lot number, and best - use - by date mentioned in the recall announcements. For example, if you have "Our Family" decaf coffee, check if it matches the details of the recalled lot.
- Return or Dispose: You can return the product to the store where you purchased it for a full refund. If returning isn't an option, dispose of the coffee properly, making sure it's out of reach of others who might accidentally consume it.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on FDA announcements and news sources for any updates regarding the recall. Sometimes, additional batches or products may be added to the recall list later.
By staying informed about coffee recalls, you can protect yourself and your family from potential health risks. Enjoy your coffee - but always do so safely!