Coca-Cola Recalls Wildly Popular Zero Sugar Lemonade

Coca-Cola has recalled one of its most popular zero-sugar drinks after some products were mislabeled and, in fact, contained sugar.

Newsweek reports that more than 13,000 cans of Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade are being recalled due to a labeling mishap. Cans of regular Minute Maid Lemonade were placed in cartons labeled Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade.

The recalled product was shipped to retail stores in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. The FDA provided further details on its website.

The affected products are in cartons with the codes FEB1725CNA or FEB1725CNB. The UPC is 0 25000 12115 9. The FDA classified the recall as Class II. This level of recall is issued for products that have a lower chance of causing major injuries or death, but where there is still the possibility of serious enough adverse events.

The recall was initiated on Sept. 10, 2024, and the status is ongoing. Customers who have the affected product are advised to discard or return the product for a refund. 

Thousands of cases of improperly labeled Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade have been recalled after they were found to contain the regular formula of lemonade with 40 grams of sugar, according to the FDA. https://t.co/bYdzkwckn9

— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 16, 2024

A spokesperson for Coca-Cola told Newsweek, “In September, Coca-Cola Consolidated voluntarily recalled a limited quantity of Minute Maid Lemonade 12-ounce cans in parts of Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. No impacted product remains in the market, and all recall activities in those markets are complete.”

Dangers of Mislabeling Food Products

Per a white paper published by packagingstrategies.com, “According to the FDA, almost 30,000 people go to the emergency room each year with severe food allergies and an estimated 150 – 200 Americans die each year from those allergies. Following a product recall, mandatory audits and fees will be enforced by the FDA on the offending manufacturer. Recalls affect the future viability of a company, making preventive actions the key to protecting and sustaining a company’s reputation and profitability.”

The paper revealed that after a recall, 21% of consumers state they will never buy anything from that company again, 50% will switch brands temporarily, and 14% will completely discontinue purchasing the product.

According to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and Nutrition Labeling and Education Act, products are required to have clear labeling. Label statements must be placed on the front label panel and a statement of the food’s identity, name, net quantity, and amount of product must appear on each.