FDA Recalls 22,000 Evergreen Orchard Juices Over Bacteria Risk in NJ, NY, PA

Evergreen Orchard Farm of New Jersey has issued a voluntary Class II recall of over 22,000 fruit juice containers including Korean Pear, Grape, and Jujube juices due to lack of pasteurization and missing sanitation records, raising concerns about potential bacterial contamination. These juices, sold in 4-ounce foil pouches across retail stores in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, may pose health risks such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, particularly for vulnerable populations like young children and seniors. While no illnesses have been reported, the FDA's recall underscores the importance of pasteurization to eliminate harmful pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella. The recall follows FDA investigations that revealed the farm could not substantiate claims that the juices were pasteurized, a key step in ensuring safety. Consumers who have purchased these products are advised to dispose of them securely or return them for a refund and monitor for symptoms of foodborne illness. The FDA continues to investigate, emphasizing that while the probability of serious health consequences is low, the risk remains significant enough to warrant this precautionary action.