US coffee consumers, often preoccupied with elaborate rituals of strength and method, have a new concern after regulators warned that products from a Wisconsin coffee maker might contain botulism.
Last week, the US Food and Drug Administration announced that almost 300 canned coffee products made by Snapchill are being recalled across the United States because of fears they may contain the bacterial toxin that causes a potential fatal form of food poisoning.
“The current process used by the company could lead to the growth and production of the deadly toxin, botulinum toxin” the regulator warned, adding a list of symptoms including general weakness, dizziness, double-vision, trouble with speaking or swallowing, difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation.
The company has said it is not aware of any instances of its products containing the toxin, nor have any instances of customers falling ill been reported.
The potential problem with Snapchill’s products was identified when the FDA notified Snapchill that the company had not filed details of its manufacturing process, triggering a regulatory alert.
The company said in a statement that it was “working swiftly to resolve the issue” and “sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or concern this recall may cause”.
The FDA added: “Consumers should either destroy the products or return the product to Snapchill or the place of purchase for a refund.”