Pepsi Recalls Call Drink Due To Sugar

PepsiCo, one of the world’s leading beverage companies, has voluntarily issued a recall for a sugar-free drink sold under the Schweppes label. The company discovered that the drink, labeled as sugar-free, actually contained the same amount of sugar as its regular Schweppes counterpart.

This discovery prompted PepsiCo to initiate the recall in March, which has affected a total of 233 cases of the beverage, amounting to nearly 5,600 cans. The recalled product, Schweppes Zero Sugar Ginger Ale, was distributed to retailers in the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was made aware of the issue and announced the recall in a notice on their website. According to the FDA, the reason for the recall was due to a labeling error in which the product labeled as sugar-free actually contained full sugar. The mistake was discovered during an internal investigation conducted by PepsiCo.

The FDA classified the recall as a “Class II” recall, meaning that consumption of the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or the probability of serious adverse health consequences is considered remote.

The 7.5-fluid-ounce cans of Schweppes Zero Sugar Ginger Ale were sold in packs of 24 and carried the codes  MAY20240520VS02164 and MAY20240550VS02164. The affected cans were distributed to various retailers in the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Consumers who have purchased the recalled product are advised to either discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

There have been no reported adverse reactions or injuries related to the consumption of the recalled drink. However, the FDA advises consumers with diabetes to exercise caution when consuming the product due to its sugar content. It is important to note that PepsiCo’s Schweppes Zero Sugar Ginger Ale is sometimes consumed by people managing diabetes due to its sugar-free labeling.

The issue of sugar consumption has been a hot topic in recent years, with many people opting for sugar-free or low-sugar alternatives. However, last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a set of guidelines recommending against the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) as a replacement for sugar. The agency stated that using artificial sweeteners may not be any better for controlling body weight or reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The WHO also recommended the use of natural sugar alternatives such as fruit or consuming unsweetened food and beverages.

PepsiCo’s recall raises questions about the use and effectiveness of non-sugar sweeteners in reducing sugar consumption. While this recall may be an isolated incident, it serves as a reminder for consumers to make informed decisions when it comes to their food and beverage choices. The FDA and WHO have both warned against the long-term use of artificial sweeteners, citing potential risks such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in adults.

In light of this recall, PepsiCo has not made any statement regarding the use of non-sugar sweeteners in their products. However, the company has apologized for the labeling error and has taken immediate action to address the issue. Consumers are encouraged to always read labels carefully and to consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to their diets.