Death Wish Coffee Recalled For Potential Deadly Toxin

The Upstate New York company, which claims to make the strongest coffee in the world, is voluntarily pulling all cans of its 11-ounce Nitro Cold Brew because of the slight risk of botulism, a deadly toxin that can lead to muscle weakness and breathing problems or death, in extreme cases.

No one has reported being sick from the product, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Death Wish says their product hasn’t shown any “degradation of quality or shelf stability at all” during nearly four months of testing, but decided to recall the cans as a”precautionary measure.”

Nitrogen-infused cold coffee is all the rage these days. Adding the gas to coffee gives it a beer-like quality, with a frothy head and carbonated body.

According to the company’s website, the product has undergone “a rigorous, lengthy” testing process, but they were recently told by scientists at Cornell University that the current way the coffee’s made could lead to the growth of the bacteria that produces the botulin toxin. Because this is a fairly new process there are few federal standards and regulations through the FDA, says the company.

“In short, it looks like our process wasn’t perfect and we’re excited to revisit it with guidance from some of the most meticulous scientists in the world,” wrote Mike Brown, the company’s founder and owner.

The company is stopping production of Nitro Cold Brew until an additional step in the manufacturing process can be implemented. The product has been removed from the company’s online store, and has been pulled from shelves at Price Chopper/Market 32, Healthy Living Market & Café, and independent retailers.

If you’ve purchased Death Wish Nitro, don’t drink it. Either toss it or return the product to where you bought it with proof of purchase for a full refund. If you got it online, the company says it will refund your order within 60 days.

Ironic recall? For sure. But we have to give them credit for the honest, transparent reaction.

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