P99-14 FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Media: 202-205-4144
July 10, 1999
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
The Food and Drug Administration is issuing a nationwide warning to consumers against drinking unpasteurized orange juice products, both frozen and liquid, distributed under a variety of brand names by Sun Orchard Inc. of Tempe, Arizona, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella Muenchen, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long- term complications can include severe arthritis.
Although the company has already issued a warning and undertaken a recall of the affected product, FDA is taking this action because of continuing reports of illness related to this product.
The product comes in a variety of forms distributed to retail stores, restaurants and other dining institutions. The product sold in retail stores comes in clear plastic gallon, half-gallon, quart, pint, 12 ounce and half-pint containers. The fresh, unpasteurized orange juice has an enjoy by date of July 7, 1999 or earlier stamped on the side. The products are identified on the labels as freshly squeezed or fresh orange juice. The following labels are involved: Sun Orchard, Earls and Joey Tomatoís, Viola, Trader Joeís, Aloha, Zupan, Markon, and Sysco.
Also recalled is Fresh Margarita Mix with Fresh Orange Juice in half-gallon containers, labeled "Condensed Margarita Mix, Sun Orchard Inc., Tempe, Az. Enjoy by Date [8/5/99 or earlier]."
In addition, to these liquid retail products, a frozen form of the unpasteurized juice was sold under the brand name Vareva especially to restaurants, food services and other institution. Therefore the agency recommends that consumers check their freezers for the recalled product and inquire about the source of any unpasteurized orange juice they may be served at a restaurant or other dining facility.
To date dozens of illnesses have been reported throughout the United States and Canada.
The potential for contamination was noted after several individuals in Pacific Northwest became ill after drinking the juice. Subsequent investigation confirmed the presence of Salmonella Muenchen.
Sun Orchard has stopped production of unpasteurized orange juice and is currently pasteurizing all of its juice products.
Consumers who have purchased unpasteurized orange juice labeled with any of the above listed trade names are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 206-780- 8042 or 212-213-7012.
This is a mirror of the page at HTTP://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/NEW00685.html