Novamex, operating as Tipp Distributors, Inc., has issued a recall for 12-can cartons of Jarritos Coconut Water due to potential issues with the hermetic seal on the can lids. 

A compromised seal can affect the integrity of the cans, potentially causing them to leak, swell, or allow bacterial growth, including Clostridium botulinum, which poses a risk of serious illness.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall began on November 4 and remains active. The affected product was distributed across multiple states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Recalled Product Details:

• Product: Jarritos Coconut Water (17.5 fl oz cans), 12 cans per carton
• Quantity: 169,438 cases (equivalent to 2,033,256 cans)
• Code Information: All lot codes

Consumers and retailers are urged not to use, sell, serve, or distribute the affected product.

Botulism is a rare but serious condition caused by a toxin that can lead to muscle paralysis. Without prompt treatment, it can impair breathing muscles and result in death. Symptoms of botulism typically appear 18 to 36 hours after consuming contaminated food but may develop as soon as 6 hours or as late as 10 days.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Double or blurred vision
• Drooping eyelids
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Dry mouth and a heavy-feeling tongue
• Muscle weakness

If untreated, the condition can progress, causing paralysis in various muscle groups, including those essential for breathing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises immediate medical attention if symptoms occur.