In a concerning wave of recalls, the FDA pulled 28 beverages from the market in 2024, citing the presence of undisclosed harmful chemicals, drugs, and bacteria. These recalls have raised significant health concerns and highlighted the importance of proper labeling and safety checks in the food and beverage industry.
The Daily Mail reported that among the recalled items are various sodas, juices, and other drinks. Notably, 24 of these beverages were found to contain dangerous substances not listed on their labels.
Key products affected
- Himalayan Pain Relief Tea: Recalled for containing an undisclosed anti-inflammatory medication.
- Martinelli’s Apple Juice: Found to contain arsenic, a toxic metal linked to increased cancer risk.
- Fiji Water: Approximately 1.9 million bottles were recalled due to contamination with three types of bacteria and high levels of manganese, potentially causing brain damage.
- Charles Boggini Company Drinks: Including Pink Lemonade, Yellow Lemonade, Yellow Lemonade X, and Cola Flavoring Base, were recalled for containing undisclosed food dyes Red40 and Yellow 5, which are carcinogenic, and undeclared sulfites.
Expert insights
Dr. Detwiler, a former FDA and USDA advisor, highlighted that some beverages reach consumers without adequate safety checks, underscoring the necessity for stringent regulations and enforcement. He emphasized the growing scrutiny over labeling and undeclared ingredients in the industry.
List of recalled beverages
- Schweppes Zero Sugar Gingerale
- PepsiCo’s Mug Root Beer
- Martinelli’s Apple Juice
- Natural Waters of Viti Limited’s Fiji Water
- Charles Boggini Company’s Cola Flavoring Base
- Charles Boggini Company’s Pink Lemonade
- Charles Boggini Company’s Yellow Lemonade
- Charles Boggini Company’s Yellow Lemonade X
- The Wiedemann Company’s Tapee Tea
- Rise Brewing Organic Original Oat Milk
- Rise Brewing Organic Vanilla Oat Milk
- Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3 Liquid
- Barsotti Organic Carrot Juice
- Trader Joe’s 100% Juice Organic Carrot Juice
- Powerade Zero Mixed Berry
- Powerade Zero Fruit Punch
- Powerade Mountain Berry Blast
- Waiakea Hawaiin Volcanic Water
- Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder
- House of Coffee Beans bags
- Longreen Reishi Coffee
- Longreen Cordyceps coffee
- Xlim Express Coffee
- Yogi Echinacea Immune Support Tea
- Sammy’s Milk Goat Milk Toddler Formula
- Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder
- Crecelac Powdered Goat Milk Infant Formula
- Mt.Capra Goat Milk Formula Recipe Kit
The FDA’s recall of 28 beverages in 2024 serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for transparency and rigorous safety standards in the food and beverage industry. Consumers are urged to stay informed and vigilant about the products they consume.