RELATED: This One Food Is Being Pulled From Shelves Permanently.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb On June 11, Othello, Washington-based Empire Fruit, Inc. announced that it was recalling its 16-oz. bottles of SCORE Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice. The juices affected by the recall, which were marketed as being effective at aiding muscle recovery, fighting inflammation, and improving sleep, can be identified by their best by dates of 2/15/2022 and 2/16/2022. For the latest recall news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter! According to the recall notice, the juice was pulled from the market after it was discovered that it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a type of pathogenic bacteria. The potential contamination was discovered during a routine inspection conducted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, which found that the products had not been properly pasteurized. Consuming products contaminated with listeria can lead to listeriosis, an infection that affects approximately 1,600 people each year and kills an estimated 260 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Immunocompromised individuals, pregnant people, newborns, and adults over the age of 65 are most susceptible to serious listeriosis infections. The most common symptoms of listeriosis are flu-like symptoms, as well as confusion, convulsions, headache, fever, loss of balance, muscle pain, and stiff neck; symptoms typically develop within four weeks of exposure to listeria, but may appear up to 70 days later. While no sicknesses or other adverse effects had been reported at the time of the recall, those in possession of the affected juice are “urged not to drink it.” Instead, return it to the store from which it was purchased for a full refund. If you have questions about the recall, you can also call Empire Fruit, Inc. at 509-488-1049 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT. RELATED: If You Have This Spice at Home, Throw It Away Immediately, FDA Says.
