Feds Seek Permanent Injunction Against Mystical One Juice

WASHINGTONThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked the U.S. Department of Justice on Jan. 13 to seek a permanent injunction against a Jamaica, N.Y.-based beverage company to prevent it from processing and distributing juice and other products.

According to the complaint, Hank J. Hagen and Milton S. Reid and their company, Mystical One LLC (also known as Mystical One Juice LLC), are charged with violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by failing to have a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan for certain juice products, such as the companys carrot juice products, and by failing to comply with current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP).

FDA requires all juice processors to prepare and implement HACCP plans that identify and control food hazards associated with their juices, and it requires all food manufacturers to follow cGMP. The FDA is not aware of illnesses associated with Mystical Ones juice products.

The complaint also charges the company failed to adequately heat low-acid vegetable juices to destroy or prevent growth of dangerous microorganisms; properly clean food-contact surfaces; and maintain and monitor sanitation conditions at the manufacturing facility to prevent sources of possible food and water contamination. Failure to identify and control food hazards could lead to the formation of Clostridium botulinum bacteria that can germinate in the carrot juice made by the company.

The complaint also charges Mystical One, Hagen and Reid with failing to conform to cGMP requirements for making, packing or holding human food. Beverage products produced under conditions that do not comply with HACCP or GMP requirements are considered adulterated under the Act.

The following brands are subject to the FDA complaint: Fresh Carrot Juice, Magnum Food Drink, Pineapple Ginger Drink, Sorrel & Ginger, Sea Moss and Peanut Punch. The companys products are sold to foodservice establishments primarily in Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania.