A company claiming to have the ‘world’s strongest coffee’ has recalled its nitro cold brew cans over fear they could lead to botulism.
Death Wish Coffee, made famous through its 2016 Super Bowl ad, recalled its 11-ounce nitro cold brew cans because they were processed in a way that could lead the growth of the deadly toxin botulin, according to the FDA.
The toxin, grown in low acid and reduced oxygen environments, can cause a fatal form of food poisoning known as botulism in humans.
Death Wish Coffee recalled its 11-ounce nitro cold brew cans because they were processed in a way that could lead the growth of the deadly toxin botulin, according to the FDA
‘Death Wish in conjunction with an outside Process Authority has determined that the current process could lead to the growth and production of the deadly toxin, botulin, in low acid foods commercialized in reduced oxygen packaging,’ the FDA said in a statement.
The toxin can cause ‘general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing… [and] difficulty breathing’, the FDA said.
Death Wish Coffee co-founder Mike Brown urged his customers not to drink the cans and said in a statement that customers who bought the product online could get refunds within 60 days.
‘Our customers’ safety is of paramount importance and Death Wish Coffee is taking this significant, proactive step… of recalling all Death Wish Nitro cans from shelves,’ Brown said.
No illnesses related to the product have been reported. Death Wish, based in Round Lake, New York, said the potential risk was caught early.
‘We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause our customers and our retail partners, but we believe this is the right precautionary measure to take,’ he added.
The cans were also sold in retailers and grocery stores across the United States, predominately on the East Coast.
Death Wish Coffee, its founder Mike Brown pictured above, garnered national attention after winning a competition to have a commercial during the 2016 Super Bowl
Death Wish Coffee garnered national attention after winning a competition to have a commercial during the 2016 Super Bowl.
The competition was held by software maker Intuit for a 30-second ad during the third quarter of the big game on February 7.
Normally, businesses have to pay $5million for air time during the most-watched television event in the United States.
The New York company, which claims to brew the ‘strongest coffee in the world’, beat more than 15,000 other small businesses in voting by the public and Intuit employees to promote its product.
Its commercial starred Irish actor Diarmaid Murtagh, known for The Monuments Men.
The ad showed a Viking galley ship in stormy waters with the crew exhorted to keep rowing; the ship and the sea end up in a cup of Death Wish coffee downed by a man in his 21st-century kitchen.
The company’s coffee contains nearly twice the recommended 400 milligram daily dose of caffeine, with more than 700 milligrams per 12 fluid ounces.
Its cold brew products contain less, with about 380 milligrams per can.