• Brooklyn Roasting Company announced a recall for 1,219 units of its Pasteurized Cold Brew Concentrate (2.5-gallon bags), distributed wholesale in New York and New Jersey between April-June 2026 due to improper room-temperature storage.
  • Improper storage conditions allow for potential Clostridium botulinum toxin formation in the cold brew concentrate, which can cause botulism—a rare but serious illness.
  • The FDA upgraded the recall to Class II status on July 21, indicating temporary or reversible health effects are possible but serious problems are remote; consumers who ingested the product and experience botulism symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an ongoing recall for 1,219 units of Brooklyn Roasting Company Pasteurized Cold Brew Concentrate, which was distributed wholesale in New York state and in New Jersey. The company's other cold brew products are not a part of the recall.

Which cold brew is being recalled?

Here’s the specific info businesses need to check for:

  • Full name: Brooklyn Roasting Company Pasteurized Cold Brew Concentrate
  • Size: 2.5 gallons. The FDA notes that it was “bag in a box distributed” between April 1, 2026 and June 20, 2026.
  • Best-by code dates: June 30, 2026, through September 30, 2026

Why was the cold brew recalled?

The recall was initiated on July 2 by the cold brew’s manufacturer, Brooklyn Roasting Works, LLC, when it was found that the product had been improperly stored at room temperature.

Because the product may have been stored at room temperature, conditions could have allowed Clostridium botulinum toxin to form. Clostridium botulinum contamination can result in botulism, a rare but potentially life-threatening illness.

On July 21, the FDA updated the recall to Class II status. There’s some good news, though: a Class II recall means that using or being exposed to the product could result in temporary or medically reversible health effects, but the probability of serious health problems is remote in this case.

What is botulism, and how can it be dangerous?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), botulism attacks the nerves in your body. Botulism can, in severe cases, lead to breathing problems and muscle paralysis, and can even be fatal. Symptoms of botulism include:

  • A hard time swallowing
  • Muscle weakness
  • Seeing double
  • Drooping eyelids
  • Blurred vision
  • Slurred speech
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Difficulty moving your eyes
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea

What should you do if you have the recalled cold brew, or you’ve consumed it?

The product was sold wholesale, so if you have any supply at your business, stop using it immediately. If you think you consumed the recalled cold brew and develop symptoms consistent with botulism, seek medical care immediately. If you're concerned about a possible exposure, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

The recall notice doesn’t provide any info regarding refunds or replacements of the cold brew specifically, but you can contact the company directly for more information.