FDA announces recall of more than 22,000 fruit juice containers over potential bacterial contamination

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday announced a recall of more than 22,000 containers of fruit juice sold by New Jersey-based Evergreen Orchard Farm after investigators found no record that the products had been pasteurized, raising concerns they might be contaminated with harmful bacteria.

The recall covers Korean pear, grape and jujube juice that were sold at retail stores in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania and directly at the farm. The FDA said the recall was classified as Class II, a category used when the probability of serious adverse health consequences is considered remote. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the juices as of the agency's update.

Most commercially sold juices in the United States are pasteurized — a process in which the product is rapidly heated and cooled to kill bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Those pathogens can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and pose a greater risk to infants, young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

The FDA said its investigators found no record that the Evergreen Orchard Farm juices had undergone pasteurization before distribution. The agency first posted the recall in early July and updated the notice Wednesday to reflect its Class II designation.

The recall notice identified the affected products by type and distribution area but did not report any confirmed illnesses linked to consumption. Evergreen Orchard Farm, which issued the alert, and the FDA are conducting further inquiries as part of the recall process.

Federal recalls classified as Class II indicate that exposure to the product could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. The FDA typically posts recall information and updates on its website, and agency and company notices often include instructions for consumers and retailers regarding return or disposal of recalled products.

Consumers with questions about specific products or lot numbers are advised to consult the recall notice posted by the FDA or contact Evergreen Orchard Farm directly for details. The agency continues to monitor the situation and will update the public if any illnesses are reported or additional information becomes available.