Consumer Advisory: KDHE and FDA Remind Consumers to Properly
Refrigerate Carrot and Other Juices

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are reminding consumers of the need to properly refrigerate carrot and other fruit and vegetable juices after purchasing them in order to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses, including botulism.

On Friday, Georgia health officials announced three cases of foodborne botulism that may have been linked to the consumption of improperly refrigerated carrot juice. Many other people had purchased and consumed the same product without becoming ill. This fact lead officials to believe the three cases were likely the result of the product being improperly refrigerated after a consumer purchased it.

“Look for the words ‘Keep Refrigerated’ or ‘Refrigerate After Opening’ on juice labels to know whether juices should be refrigerated,” said Mary Glassburner, director of the KDHE Bureau of Consumer Health. “Many foods, including many fruit and vegetable juices, must be refrigerated below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.”

Glassburner said that refrigerator temperatures should be kept no higher than 40°F and freezers no higher then 0°F. Consumers should check the temperatures occasionally with an appliance thermometer.

Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by botulinum toxin, which under certain conditions is produced by Clostridium botulinum, a common bacterium. Botulism can be fatal and is considered a medical emergency. Symptoms of botulism include double-vision, droopy eyelids and altered voice or trouble with speaking or swallowing, and paralysis on both sides of the body that progresses from the neck down, possibly followed by difficulty in breathing. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

The most recently reported case of botulism in Kansas occurred in 2004. The patient, an infant, was hospitalized and survived.

Consumers and retailers who have questions about food safety may contact the KDHE Bureau of Consumer Health at (785) 296-5600 or visit www.ksfoodsafety.org. Consumers with questions about juice safety also may call the FDA at 1-800-SAFEFOOD.

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