- Date Issued: April 1, 2025
- Announced By: FDA on April 1, 2025
- Company Name: Walker’s Wine Juice LLC
- Product Name: Pumpkin Juice
- Issue: Potential foodborne illness – Botulism
- Product Details: Sold in various sizes from 2.5-gallon to 275-gallon bulk containers
- Action Required: Stop consumption immediately, dispose of the product, and contact the company for further instructions.
Stick around to find out more about this recall!
What happened?
Walker’s Wine Juice LLC, based in Forestville, NY, has issued a recall for its pumpkin juice due to a potential botulism risk. The issue was identified during an inspection by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, which found that the juice’s pH level was too high to meet the company’s “hot fill” processing standards. This meant no adequate kill step was used to eliminate microbiological hazards, raising the risk of contamination.
The affected pumpkin juice was distributed through the Walker’s Wine Juice retail store in New York and shipped directly to commercial wineries in multiple states, including Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Affected products
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Walker’s Wine Juice LLC | Pumpkin Juice | 2.5-gallon bag-in-box | N/A | All Lots | Botulism Risk |
Walker’s Wine Juice LLC | Pumpkin Juice | 5-gallon hot pack | N/A | All Lots | Botulism Risk |
Walker’s Wine Juice LLC | Pumpkin Juice | 30-, 60-, and 275-gallon bulk containers | N/A | All Lots | Botulism Risk |
What caused the issue?
The contamination occurred due to improper pH levels in the pumpkin juice, which made it unsafe for consumption. During an inspection by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, officials found that Walker’s Wine Juice LLC had not implemented an adequate “kill step” to eliminate microbiological hazards. Without this crucial step, the juice became a potential breeding ground for Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which causes botulism.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by toxins that attack the nervous system. These toxins can be present in improperly processed foods, creating a life-threatening risk.
Symptoms of botulism
- Weakness and dizziness
- Double vision
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Respiratory issues and muscle weakness
- Abdominal distension and constipation
- In severe cases, paralysis and death
Affected groups
While anyone consuming the contaminated juice is at risk, individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and pregnant individuals are particularly vulnerable.
Fortunately, no illnesses have been reported so far.
10 common questions you may have
- What should I do if I already drank the juice?
If you experience any symptoms of botulism, seek immediate medical attention. - How can I tell if my juice is affected?
Check the label for “pumpkin” juice in any of the sizes listed above and dispose of it. - Can I return the juice for a refund?
Contact Walker’s Wine Juice at 716-679-1292 x 1016 for disposal and reimbursement information. - Is botulism contagious?
No, botulism cannot spread from person to person. - How long does it take for botulism symptoms to appear?
Symptoms typically appear within 12 to 36 hours after consumption but can take up to 10 days. - Can I just boil the juice to make it safe?
No. The botulinum toxin is extremely potent, and home boiling may not destroy it completely. - What should businesses that used the juice in their products do?
Stop using it immediately and notify customers if the juice was incorporated into any products. - Has Walker’s Wine Juice had previous recalls?
No, this is the company’s first major recall. - Where can I report symptoms or concerns?
Contact your local health department or the FDA. - What can be done to prevent botulism in the future?
Manufacturers should ensure proper pH control and implement validated kill steps in processing.
Here’s what you should do
- Do not consume the product. Even if it looks and smells fine, botulism can be deadly.
- Check your label. Look for packaging that says “pumpkin” in the listed sizes above.
- Dispose of the product properly. Do not open or taste it; contact Walker’s Wine Juice for disposal instructions.
- Contact the company for reimbursement or further instructions:
- Company Contact: Matthew Walker
- Phone: 716-679-1292 x 1016
Behind the brand
Walker’s Wine Juice LLC is known for its high-quality juices used in winemaking. While this is the company’s first major recall, similar botulism-related recalls have occurred in the past. For example:
- On March 15, 2025, SeaBear Company issued a voluntary recall of two seafood chowders due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum.
- On February 11, 2025, AKT Trading Inc. issued a recall for 120 packages of Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoots due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum.
- On December 19, 2024, River Valley Ranch recalled their River Valley Ranch & Kitchens Spinach Artichoke Dip Mix due to potential Clostridium botulinum contamination.
“Ensuring food safety isn’t just about following regulations—it’s about protecting consumers and maintaining trust. For high-risk products like juices, companies must enforce rigorous testing and proactive quality control. A strong dedication to safety isn’t optional; it’s essential for long-term success in the food industry.” – Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring safe eats
Food safety is a top priority in the beverage and ingredient industry. A recall like this serves as a reminder that:
- Proper pH levels and processing steps are critical to avoiding contamination.
- Companies must have rigorous quality control measures to prevent dangerous bacteria like botulism.
- Bulk buyers should always source ingredients from trusted suppliers with strong safety records.
Have questions about bulk ingredient sourcing? At Source86, We ensure safety and compliance at every step! Contact us today!
