Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network


SAFEFOOD NEWS - Summer 1999 - Vol 3 / No. 3

Go to Table of Contents for this issue

FDA Issues Warning About Sun Orchard Unpasteurized Orange Juice Brand Products

The Food and Drug Administration issued a nationwide warning to consumers against drinking unpasteurized orange juice products, both frozen and liquid, distributed under a variety of brand names by Sun Orchard Inc. of Tempe, Arizona, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella muenchen, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long-term complications can include reactive arthritis.

The company has already issued a warning and undertaken a recall of the affected product. However, because of continuing reports of illness related to this product, the FDA also has issued a warning.

The product comes in a variety of forms distributed to retail stores, restaurants and other dining institutions. The product sold in retail stores comes in clear plastic gallon, half-gallon, quart, pint, 12 ounce and half-pint containers. The fresh, unpasteurized orange juice has an "enjoy by date of July 7, 1999," or earlier stamped on the side. The products are identified on the labels as freshly squeezed or fresh orange juice. The following labels are involved: Sun Orchard, Earls and Joey Tomato's, Viola, Trader Joe's Aloha, Zupan, Markon, and Sysco.

Also recalled is Fresh Margarita Mix with Fresh Orange Juice in half-gallon containers, labeled Condensed Margarita Mix, Sun Orchard Inc., Tempe, AZ "Enjoy by Date 8/5/99 or earlier."

In addition to these liquid retail products, a frozen form of the unpasteruized juice was sold under the brand name Vareva especially to restaurants, food services and other institutions. Therefore, the FDA recommends that consumers check their freezers for the recalled product and inquire about the source of any unpasteurized orange juice they may be served at a restaurant or other dining facility.

The potential for contamination was noted after several individuals in Pacific Northwest became ill after drinking the juice. Subsequent investigation confirmed the presence of Salmonella muenchen.

Sun Orchard has stopped production of unpasteurized orange juice and is currently pasteurizing all of its juice products. Consumers who have purchased unpasteurized orange juice labeled with any of the above-listed trade names are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 206-780-8042 or 212-213-7012.

Source: FDA Media Release, July 10, 1999.

Updated Monday, August 29, 2011