Brooklyn Roasting Company is voluntarily recalling 1,219 units (2.5 gallons each) of Pasteurized Cold Brew Concentrate—about 3,047.5 gallons—after an FDA report warned ambient storage "may lead to Clostridium botulinum toxin formation." The product was distributed in New York and New Jersey between Apr 1 and Jun 20, with "best by" codes 063026–093026. Do not consume affected product; contact the company or your supplier for return or disposal instructions and seek medical care if you have botulism symptoms.
Brooklyn Roaster Recalls More Than 3,000 Gallons of Cold Brew Over Possible Botulism Risk
Ice coffee in cafe. Iced Coffee Drink in Clear Plastic Cup Against Rustic Wooden Background with Warm Natural Lighting.jabkitticha/Getty Images
Brooklyn Roasting Company has voluntarily recalled more than 3,000 gallons of its Pasteurized Cold Brew Concentrate after an FDA report warned that ambient storage "may lead to Clostridium botulinum toxin formation," creating a potential risk of botulism.
What Was Recalled?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) filing dated July 21, 2026, states that beginning July 2 the company withdrew 1,219 units, each containing 2.5 gallons of Pasteurized Cold Brew Concentrate—an apparent total of 3,047.5 gallons—packaged as "bag in a box." The product was distributed in New York and New Jersey between April 1 and June 20.
Affected Codes and Distribution
Affected "best by" codes range from 063026 through 093026. The company reportedly notified wholesale accounts and the public using two outreach methods as a voluntary precaution. Brooklyn Roasting Company also ships beyond New York and operates a subscription program, so consumers outside the two-state area should check their orders if they believe they may have received the product.
Why Was It Recalled?
The recall notice explains that ambient (room-temperature) storage of the sealed product "may lead to Clostridium botulinum toxin formation." C. botulinum can multiply in low-oxygen environments and produce a potent neurotoxin; acidity in some coffees may not be sufficient to prevent toxin formation. The FDA report does not identify a definitive cause; it is unclear whether recent extreme heat or another factor contributed to the storage conditions.
Health Risk and Symptoms
Botulism is rare but serious. Symptoms can include blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness. Anyone who suspects they are experiencing these symptoms after consuming the recalled product should seek immediate medical attention.
What You Should Do
Do not consume the recalled product. If you have an affected unit, follow the company's recall guidance: contact the supplier or Brooklyn Roasting Company for instructions on returns or disposal. If you experience possible botulism symptoms, contact a healthcare provider or emergency services right away.
Why Storage Matters
Experts note that sealed, room-temperature cold brew can create a low-oxygen environment favorable to certain microbes, including C. botulinum. Proper chilling or keeping brewed coffee hot until refrigerated helps reduce this risk. Heat is required to inactivate C. botulinum toxin once it is present.
Consumers with questions should consult the FDA recall notice and contact Brooklyn Roasting Company or their supplier for specific return and refund instructions.
Help us improve.
