By Rosa Rivera
PUBLISHED Sun, Jun 9 2024
In 2024, the FDA has recalled nearly 30 beverages due to the presence of harmful ingredients.
This alarming trend affects a variety of drinks, from sodas and juices to teas and infant formulas, posing significant health risks to consumers.
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The Extent of the Problem: A Surge in Recalls
Statistics and Trends
In 2024, the FDA has already recalled 28 beverages, slightly up from 23 recalls at this point in 2023, but just below the 30 recalls in 2018.
This surge in recalls highlights a troubling trend of increasing safety issues within the beverage industry.
Most of these recalls (24 out of 28) were due to undeclared ingredients, including drugs, bacteria, and harmful chemicals.
The rise in recalls can be attributed to both an increase in regulatory scrutiny and a higher incidence of undeclared ingredients making their way into products, according to food safety expert Dr. Darin Detwiler.
Types of Undeclared Ingredients
The recalls have predominantly involved harmful ingredients not disclosed by the manufacturers.
These include pharmaceutical drugs, toxic metals like arsenic, and carcinogenic food dyes.
For example, Martinelli’s Apple Juice was recalled for containing arsenic, a toxic metal linked to an increased risk of bladder and skin cancers.
Similarly, Fiji Water was recalled for high levels of manganese and bacterial contamination.
Another concerning recall involved Charles Boggini Company’s sodas, which contained undeclared food dyes Red 40 and Yellow 5, both of which are known carcinogens.
Regulatory Pressure and Industry Response
According to Dr. Detwiler, the high number of recalls reflects increased regulatory pressure on the FDA to clamp down on food and beverage companies.
This pressure is necessary as many drinks reach the market without proper checks.
“There are a lot of drinks that have been scrutinized of late and a lot of it has to do with labeling and undeclared ingredients,” Dr. Detwiler says.
As the industry responds to these pressures, it faces significant challenges in ensuring compliance with varying state regulations, often leading to inconsistencies and recalls.
Notable Recalls of 2024
Fiji Water Contamination
The most significant recall of 2024 involved Fiji Water, with 1.9 million bottles pulled from shelves due to the presence of manganese and three types of bacteria.
Manganese, while essential in small amounts, can cause brain damage at high levels.
This recall was classified as a Class III health hazard, indicating that the bottled waters were “not likely to cause adverse health consequences.”
However, the presence of bacteria still posed a potential risk to consumers.
This incident underscores the need for stringent quality control measures in the beverage industry to prevent such contaminants from reaching consumers.
Charles Boggini Company Sodas
Several sodas from the Charles Boggini Company, including Pink Lemonade, Yellow Lemonade, and Yellow Lemonade X, along with Cola Flavoring Base, were recalled for containing undeclared food dyes Red 40 and Yellow 5.
These dyes contain benzidine, a known carcinogen.
The company also failed to disclose the presence of sulfites in their Cola Flavoring Base, which can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
These recalls highlight the importance of transparent labeling and the risks associated with undisclosed ingredients in consumer products.
Tapee Tea Incident
Tapee Tea, marketed for pain relief, was recalled for containing undeclared anti-inflammatory drugs dexamethasone and piroxicam.
Dexamethasone can reduce the body’s ability to fight infections, while piroxicam increases the risk of heart problems and gastrointestinal issues.
The presence of these drugs, not listed on the label, poses significant health risks, especially when consumers are unaware of their consumption.
This led the FDA to classify the recall as a Class I health hazard, indicating a reasonable chance of “serious adverse health consequences or death.”
This case exemplifies the severe implications of undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients in beverages.
Health Risks Associated with Recalled Ingredients
Carcinogenic Food Dyes
Food dyes Red 40 and Yellow 5, found in some recalled sodas, contain benzidine, a human and animal carcinogen.
While the FDA permits these dyes at low levels, their presence must be disclosed due to potential cancer risks.
According to the FDA, ingestion of benzidine can raise cancer risk to just under the “concern” threshold, or one cancer case per one million people.
This emphasizes the need for consumers to be informed about the ingredients in their drinks.
Proper labeling is crucial to prevent unintentional exposure to such harmful substances.
Heavy Metals: Arsenic
Arsenic, found in Martinelli’s Apple Juice, is a toxic metal that can cause severe health problems.
Inorganic arsenic, which is highly toxic, can damage DNA and weaken the immune system.
Chronic exposure to arsenic has been linked to an increased risk of bladder, skin, lung, digestive tract, liver, kidney, and lymphatic system cancers.
It can also lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.
The presence of arsenic in apple juice underscores the dangers of environmental contaminants in food and beverages.
Manganese Toxicity
High levels of manganese, as found in the recalled Fiji Water, can cause brain damage.
While manganese is essential for health, excessive amounts can lead to neurological issues.
The CDC warns that high levels of manganese can impair motor skills and cognitive function, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
This recall highlights the fine balance needed in regulating essential nutrients to prevent toxicity.
Undeclared Medications
Undeclared medications, such as those found in Tapee Tea, pose serious health risks.
Dexamethasone can cause high blood sugar, muscle injuries, and psychiatric problems, while piroxicam can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
The combination of these drugs with other medications can lead to dangerous interactions, especially since consumers are unaware of their presence.
Ensuring accurate labeling of medicinal ingredients is vital for consumer safety.
Impact on Consumers
Vulnerable Populations
The impact of these recalls is particularly severe on vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
For example, diabetics consuming mislabeled sugar-free drinks are at risk of serious health complications.
PepsiCo’s recall of Schweppes Zero Sugar Ginger Ale and Mug Root Beer due to the presence of full sugar instead of zero sugar highlights the danger of such labeling errors for diabetics who need to monitor their blood sugar levels.
Ensuring accurate labeling and safe ingredients is crucial to protect these at-risk groups.
Consumer Trust and Brand Reputation
Frequent recalls can erode consumer trust in beverage brands.
For instance, PepsiCo faced significant backlash due to repeated recall issues with Schweppes and Mug Root Beer, affecting its brand reputation.
Consumers expect consistency in product quality and safety.
When brands fail to meet these expectations, they risk losing customer loyalty and market share.
Maintaining high safety standards is essential for preserving consumer trust and brand integrity.
The Recall Process and Challenges
FDA’s Role and Procedures
The FDA plays a crucial role in identifying and handling beverage recalls.
The process involves detecting harmful ingredients, notifying manufacturers, and coordinating the recall to protect public health.
Recalls are classified based on the severity of the health hazard: Class I for serious risks, Class II for temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, and Class III for issues unlikely to cause adverse health consequences.
This structured approach ensures that recalls are handled efficiently to mitigate potential risks to consumers.
Industry Compliance Issues
Beverage companies often face challenges in complying with regulations due to varying state requirements.
This can lead to inconsistencies and recalls when products are sold across state lines.
Dr. Detwiler explained that companies sometimes fail to understand the regulatory implications of selling in multiple states, leading to compliance issues.
Improving industry-wide understanding and adherence to regulations is key to preventing such compliance problems.
Improving Safety Standards
Enhancing safety standards in the beverage industry involves implementing stricter quality control measures and improving transparency in labeling.
This can help prevent harmful ingredients from reaching consumers.
Experts like Dr. Detwiler advocate for more rigorous regulatory frameworks and increased scrutiny to ensure product safety.
By prioritizing safety over consistency, the industry can better protect consumers and reduce the frequency of recalls.
Case Studies of Other Recalled Beverages
Martinelli’s Apple Juice
In April 2024, nearly 25,000 cases of Martinelli’s Apple Juice were recalled due to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic.
This toxic metal, used in pesticides, can enter food through agricultural practices.
Repeated exposure to inorganic arsenic can lead to severe health issues, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
This recall emphasizes the need for stringent testing of raw materials used in beverage production to prevent contamination.
Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder
Over a million cans of Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Powder were recalled due to potential contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections in infants.
Cronobacter infections can lead to brain swelling and seizures, making this recall particularly concerning for parents.
The recall highlights the critical importance of maintaining sterility in infant formula production.
Rise Brewing Oat Milk
Rise Brewing’s Organic Original and Vanilla Oat Milk were also among the beverages recalled in 2024.
While the specific issues leading to the recall were not detailed, consumer reactions have been significant.
Consumers expressed disappointment and concern over the safety of their favorite oat milk products, prompting the company to address the recall promptly.
This case underscores the impact of recalls on consumer confidence and the necessity for quick and transparent communication from companies.
The List of 28 Recalled Beverages in 2024
- 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
- Crecelac Powdered Goat Milk Infant Formula
- Mt.Capra Goat Milk Formula Recipe Kit
The Role of Consumer Awareness and Advocacy
Importance of Staying Informed
Consumers must stay informed about recalls to protect their health.
The FDA regularly updates its recall database, which can be accessed online to check for any recent beverage recalls.
Reading labels and understanding ingredients are also crucial steps consumers can take to avoid harmful substances in their drinks.
Staying vigilant and informed helps consumers make safer choices and avoid potential health risks.
Advocacy and Accountability
Consumer advocacy groups play a vital role in pressuring companies for better transparency and safety practices.
These groups work to hold manufacturers accountable and push for stricter regulations.
Successful advocacy efforts have led to changes in industry practices, improving safety standards for all consumers.
Supporting and engaging with these groups can amplify their impact and drive positive change in the beverage industry.
Conclusion
The rising number of beverage recalls in 2024 highlights significant safety concerns within the industry.
From harmful chemicals and undeclared medications to toxic metals, these recalls underscore the importance of stringent regulatory oversight and transparent labeling.
As consumers, staying informed and vigilant can help us avoid potential health risks.
By supporting advocacy efforts and demanding higher safety standards, we can drive the industry towards better practices and safer products.
Ultimately, ensuring the safety of our drinks requires a collective effort from regulators, manufacturers, and consumers alike.
Let’s stay informed, stay safe, and advocate for a healthier future.
