Over 3,000 Gallons of Coffee Recalled Due to Botulism Risk

Source: FDA / EatingWell / Danielle DeAngelis
Author: Qahwa World
Date: July 27, 2026

Over 3,000 Gallons of Coffee Recalled Due to Botulism Risk

  • FDA announced a recall of approximately 3,408 gallons of cold brew coffee.
  • The recall affects Brooklyn Roasting Company Pasteurized Cold Brew Concentrate.
  • Products were distributed in New Jersey and New York from April 1 through June 20, 2026.
  • Containers are 2.5-gallon bottles with best-by dates through September 30, 2026.
  • Risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination can cause botulism, a serious illness.
  • Consumers should dispose of affected products or return them for a refund.
  • The FDA classified this as a Class II recall on July 21, 2026.

The Food and Drug Administration announced a recall on approximately 3,408 gallons of cold brew coffee. The recall is due to a Clostridium botulinum bacterial contamination risk. The affected product is Brooklyn Roasting Company Pasteurized Cold Brew Concentrate.

The cold brew was distributed and sold in New Jersey and New York. Sales occurred from April 1 through June 20, 2026. The product was sold in 2.5-gallon bottles with best-by dates ranging from June 30 through September 30, 2026.

Check Your Cold Brew

Consumers should check their cold brew immediately. If the product matches the recall information, dispose of it. Alternatively, return it to the place of purchase for a potential refund.

The product may have been stored at room temperature during the distribution process. This makes it susceptible to Clostridium botulinum toxin formation. The FDA has issued this warning to protect public health.

Brooklyn Roasting Company Cold Brew Recall Details
Detail Information
Product Brooklyn Roasting Company Pasteurized Cold Brew Concentrate
Total volume recalled Approximately 3,408 gallons
Container size 2.5-gallon bottles
Distribution area New Jersey and New York
Sales period April 1 through June 20, 2026
Best-by dates June 30 through September 30, 2026
Recall reason Clostridium botulinum contamination risk
FDA classification Class II (July 21, 2026)

Health Risks of Botulism

Exposure to Clostridium botulinum can cause botulism. This is a serious and sometimes deadly illness. Botulism attacks the nervous system. Symptoms include bloating, constipation, and muscle weakness. Other symptoms include dizziness, double vision, trouble speaking or swallowing, and difficulty breathing.

Seek immediate medical attention if you show signs of botulism after consuming the recalled product. The illness can progress rapidly and requires prompt treatment.

FDA Classification

On July 21, the FDA classified this recall as a Class II alert. This means the product may cause minor, temporary health concerns. However, botulism can be serious, and consumers should take this recall seriously. For questions, contact the FDA at 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332).

What Consumers Should Do

Consumers who purchased the affected product should take immediate action. First, check the label for the product name and best-by date. Second, if it matches the recall, do not consume the product. Third, dispose of the product safely or return it to the store for a refund.

If you have consumed the product and experience any symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Early treatment is critical for botulism. The FDA and the company are working together to ensure consumer safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product is being recalled?Brooklyn Roasting Company Pasteurized Cold Brew Concentrate sold in 2.5-gallon bottles.

How much coffee is affected?Approximately 3,408 gallons of cold brew coffee are being recalled.

Where was the product sold?The product was distributed and sold in New Jersey and New York.

What are the best-by dates of the recalled product?The best-by dates range from June 30 through September 30, 2026.

What are the symptoms of botulism?Symptoms include bloating, constipation, muscle weakness, dizziness, double vision, trouble speaking or swallowing, and difficulty breathing.

What should I do if I have the recalled product?Dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Seek medical help if you experience symptoms.

CNN: Starbucks Scales Back Its Presence in Major U.S. Cities

Dubai – Qahwa World

CNN reported that Starbucks is pulling back from its long-standing strategy of saturating major U.S. cities such as New York and Los Angeles, marking a significant shift in the company’s expansion approach.

In a report published on its official website, CNN explained that Starbucks had spent decades trying to become an unavoidable presence on city streets, particularly in large metropolitan areas. However, that era is now coming to an end as the company grapples with increased competition, rising operating costs, and lasting changes in work patterns following the pandemic.

According to CNN, Starbucks is closing hundreds of stores across the United States this year, with a heavy concentration in major cities. The move is part of a broader restructuring plan valued at approximately $1 billion and is being led by CEO Brian Niccol, who joined the company last year from Chipotle with a mandate to revive growth and improve performance.

CNN noted that Starbucks closed 42 locations in New York City alone, representing around 12% of its total stores there. The closures caused Starbucks to lose its position as the largest coffee chain in Manhattan, a title now held by Dunkin’, according to data cited by the network from the Center for an Urban Future. The report added that the company has also shut down more than 20 stores in Los Angeles, 15 in Chicago, seven in San Francisco, six in Minneapolis, five in Baltimore, and dozens of others nationwide.

The report highlighted that Niccol is seeking to reduce store overlap and reposition Starbucks as a “third place” between home and work. CNN quoted a Starbucks spokesperson as saying that the company reviewed more than 18,000 stores in the United States and Canada and closed locations that were underperforming or unable to meet brand standards. Starbucks plans to open new stores and remodel existing ones starting in 2026, including in major cities, featuring updated designs and enhanced customer experiences.

CNN also pointed out that Starbucks is facing intense competition from independent cafés, regional coffee chains, and a growing number of beverage-focused brands offering smoothies, bubble tea, and other specialty drinks. Industry experts cited by CNN said the surge in urban coffee shop openings has eroded store traffic and sales volumes.

The network added that remote work has had a lasting impact on Starbucks’ urban locations, particularly those in central business districts that once relied on large numbers of daily commuters. CNN reported that Starbucks has closed several stores located in downtown office buildings as a result of these structural changes.

In addition, CNN reported that the company has struggled with operational challenges in dense urban markets, including safety concerns and the use of stores as public restrooms. As part of its response, Starbucks recently ended its open-access policy and introduced new in-store rules.

According to CNN, the store closures are part of a broader effort by Niccol to turn around the company after several years of weak sales and strategic missteps. Starbucks plans to renovate around 1,000 U.S. stores over the next year, adding seating and amenities aimed at encouraging customers to stay longer.

However, CNN concluded that the turnaround is proving more difficult than expected. The network noted that Starbucks’ share price has declined this year, and analysts remain cautious, warning that balancing fast service with a comfortable café experience continues to be a major challenge for the company.