The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a recall for Brooklyn Roasting Company Pasteurized Cold Brew Concentrate distributed in New York and New Jersey after the product was found to have been improperly stored, potentially allowing a rare but serious toxin to develop.
- Recall affects 2.5-gallon Brooklyn Roasting cold brew concentrate
- Potential botulism risk from improper room temperature storage
- FDA upgraded recall to Class II, signaling low serious health risk
What happened
Brooklyn Roasting Works, LLC initiated a recall on July 2, 2026, for their Pasteurized Cold Brew Concentrate after discovering that some units had been stored incorrectly at room temperature. This product was sold wholesale primarily in New York and New Jersey between April and June 2026. The affected concentrate comes in a 2.5-gallon bag-in-box format with best-by dates ranging from June 30 through September 30, 2026.
The improper storage could have created conditions for the growth of Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which produce a toxin causing botulism, a rare but potentially life-threatening illness. In response, the FDA has classified the recall as Class II, indicating that exposure is unlikely to cause serious harm but may lead to temporary or reversible health issues.
Why it feels good
The swift response from both Brooklyn Roasting Works and the FDA reflects strong vigilance in food safety and public health protection. Consumers and businesses can feel reassured that officials are actively monitoring potential hazards and issuing recalls when any risk is detected.
The Class II designation means that, while caution is warranted, the likelihood of severe health consequences from this particular recall is low. This helps reduce anxiety by clarifying that any adverse effects would most likely be treatable and not permanent.
What to enjoy or watch next
If you operate a business that received this cold brew concentrate, it’s important to stop using the product immediately and follow up with Brooklyn Roasting Works for guidance on next steps. Consumers should be aware of botulism symptoms such as muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, or blurry vision and seek medical help if they believe they were exposed.
Meanwhile, coffee lovers can continue to enjoy other Brooklyn Roasting product lines, which are not affected by the recall. For those seeking alternatives, exploring freshly brewed coffee or certified cold brews with secure handling offers reassurance as the coffee community stays attentive to safety.