A popular non-alcoholic drink, often used as a mixer for spirits, has been pulled from shelves after a potentially deadly health risk was revealed.
The drinks were produced in an unlicensed and uninspected facility and could potentially be under-processed.
The Recalled Drinks & Their Risk
The Urban Spirits drinks, made by Urban River Spirits LLC, did not meet shelf stability testing requirements.
This under-processing gives way to the risk of a potentially fatal illness known as botulism. Keep reading to find out the symptoms of botulism.
Symptoms of Botulism
Botulism symptoms may include: difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, a thick-feeling tongue, dry mouth, muscle weakness, double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, and slurred speech
The symptoms of botulism are caused by a toxin that creates muscle paralysis. If untreated, botulism can cause the muscles involved in breathing to become paralyzed, potentially causing sudden death.
What To Do If Symptomatic
Those who have consumed the recalled products and have since developed any of the botulism symptoms should immediately seek medical attention.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website reads, “In foodborne botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food. However, symptoms can begin as soon as 6 hours after or up to 10 days later.”
How To Identify Recalled Products
The recalled products were packaged and sold in 750ml glass bottles and photos of the products can be viewed at this link.
As of writing, there have been no reports of illness emerging from consuming the recalled products.
Company Speaks Out
“Urban River Spirits is issuing a voluntary recall of the products listed below due to additional shelf stability testing requirements from the Oregon Department of Agriculture. This recall is being conducted due to a potential safety concern,” said the company.
They added that “Customers who may have purchased this product on or before 07/02/2024 are urged to return the product for a full refund to Urban River Spirits.”
Who To Contact?
Those with the recalled products may contact Urban River Spirits LLC at 2114 Main St. Forest Grove OR, 97116 or via (503) 475-9765 Monday-Friday from 8am to 5PM.
Those with the recalled products are advised to destroy them. Urban River Spirits LLC said, “Our goal is to have the testing completed swiftly and timely.”
How To Prevent Botulism
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Prevention of foodborne botulism is based on good practice in food preparation particularly during heating/sterilization and hygiene.”
The WHO suggests following the 5 Keys to Safer Food, which are: keep clean, separate raw and cooked, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials.
Not Just Humans Impacted By Recalls
It’s not just humans impacted by the trend towards increasing recalls. In June, popular dog treat provider TDBBS recalled over 3,500 bags of dog treats due to the potential presence of foreign metal objects in the food.
Meanwhile, Pedigree dry dog food faced a recall in May due to similar concerns about metal presence – with over 300 bags pulled from shelves.
Increasing Trend of Food Recalls
The latest recall is part of a broader trend of food and drink recalls increasing in recent years. Since 2018, the US has recorded a 115% increase in such recalls.
In recent weeks, recalls have been made for Snapchill coffee, Charles Boggini Company sodas, Hy-Vee cream cheese spreads and cookies and cream mixes and lead-contaminated children’s applesauce pouches.
