Smoothies recalled because of natural toxins in raw elderberries

Consumer complaints about smoothies sold online causing illnesses have resulted in the recall of Evive brand smoothies that have raw elderberries.

Evive Nutrition Inc, is recalling its “Immunity Super Functional Smoothie” because of the raw elderberries, which contain cyanogenic glycosides, a natural toxin, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

The agency reports that the product has been sold online.

“This recall was triggered by consumer complaints,” according to the recall notice posted by the agency. “There have been reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.”

There is concern that consumers may have unused portions of the smoothies in their homes because of their long shelf life, which extends into 2023.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated food recall warnings.

As of the posting of the food inspection agency’s recall notice the Public Health Agency of Canada had not posted any outbreak alerts related to the smoothies.

The CFIA’s notice did not include any details about the reported illnesses or how many consumer complaints had been logged.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)