Improperly refrigerated carrot juice caused botulism outbreak

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in the October 13, 2006, issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report that an outbreak of foodborne botulism came from drinking improperly refrigerated carrot juice (marketed by Bolthouse Farms, Inc.). Three people contracted botulism in Washington County, Georgia, in mid-September 2006, after all three drank juice from the same 1-liter bottle. Other bottles of carrot juice from the same lot were tested but didn't have botulism. The CDC investigators therefore believe that poor refrigeration of the bottle in question must have happened sometime during transport or storage. This would have allowed the botulism to develop.

A fourth person, this time on September 25 in Hillsborough County, Florida, also contracted botulism. This person also drank Bolthouse Farms carrot juice, but was in a hotel room that didn't have a refrigerator.

Bolthouse Farms has voluntarily recalled its carrot juices under its three labels, "Bolthouse Farms 100% Carrot Juice," "Earthbound Farm Organic Carrot Juice," and "President's Choice Organics 100% Pure Carrot Juice." The company has information about the recall posted online. Bolthouse is hoping to discover what the problem is with its carrot juices and have them back on store shelves soon.