Soft Drinks Recalled by FDA

Three soft drink products produced by Charles Boggini Company were recently recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for containing undeclared ingredients. These products, including Pink Lemonade, Cola Flavoring Base, and Yellow Lemonade and Yellow Lemonade X, have now been classified by their risk level.

Products and Recall Details

The affected products include:

• Pink Lemonade: Recalled in both one and five-gallon forms.
• Cola Flavoring Base: Recalled in both one and five-gallon forms.
• Yellow Lemonade and Yellow Lemonade X: Recalled in both one and five-gallon forms.

The recalls were voluntary and initiated by the Charles Boggini Company at the end of March this year. The specific quantities recalled were:

• 28 gallons of Pink Lemonade
• 2,723 gallons of Cola Flavoring Base
• 112 gallons of Yellow Lemonade and Yellow Lemonade X

Classification by Health Hazard

On June 3, the FDA classified these recalls by their level of health hazard:

• Class II Health Hazard: Charles Boggini Pink Lemonade and Cola Flavoring Base
• Class III Health Hazard: Charles Boggini Yellow Lemonade and Yellow Lemonade X

The FDA uses a classification system to indicate the severity of health hazards posed by recalled products:

• Class I: Indicates a reasonable probability that use of the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
• Class II: Indicates that use or exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, with the probability of serious adverse health consequences being remote.
• Class III: Indicates that use or exposure to the product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.

Reasons for the Recalls

The Pink Lemonade product was recalled for containing undeclared FD&C Red No. 40. This red dye, also known as E129, is used in various products, including cosmetics, drugs, and food. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Agriculture Organization, and World Health Organization consider dietary exposure to this dye to be safe, some studies have linked it to allergies, migraines, and mental disorders like ADHD in children. The FDA mandates that this dye must be declared when used as an ingredient.

The Cola Flavoring Base was recalled due to the presence of undeclared sulfites. Sulfites are salts used as preservatives in food products. The FDA requires sulfites to be declared if present in food products at levels above 10 parts per million (ppm). Sensitivity to sulfites can cause reactions such as skin issues, digestive problems, and respiratory difficulties.

The Yellow Lemonade and Yellow Lemonade X were recalled for containing undeclared FD&C Yellow No. 5. Also known as tartrazine or E102, this synthetic food dye is used in soda, candy, and pastries. It can cause allergic and intolerance reactions, particularly in individuals with asthma or an aspirin intolerance.

The recall of these soft drinks by the Charles Boggini Company underscores the importance of accurate ingredient labeling to ensure consumer safety. The FDA’s classification of these recalls highlights the varying levels of health risks posed by undeclared ingredients.

Soda vs Filtered Waters for your Health

If this recall has affected you, we post one question. Why drink soda? What is even healthier for you and your body than soda, is tap water. Take it a step further with water filtration and your water will be even healthier than tap. Reverse osmosis filtration systems can remove impurities, including dyes and sulfites from drinking water. Whole-home water conditioners can also improve water quality by addressing issues like hardness and sediment, providing cleaner water throughout the home, keeping your skin refreshed, and appliances, laundry and dishes clean.

Source: Newsweek