Grocery recalls have become more frequent in recent years. According to Traceone, a compliance company, the number of food recalls issued by the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture increased by 15% between 2020 and 2024. Food recalls can occur for numerous reasons, including accidental contamination of ingredients and sanitation violations at manufacturing facilities. Recently, Dr. Pepper announced an upgraded recall affecting one of its products that you might have at home.
Recall of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar
On May 23, the FDA and Dr. Pepper initiated a voluntary recall of over 19,000 cans of Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar. The reason for this recall? The product, which is expected to be sugar-free, was inadvertently found to contain the same sugar content as classic Dr. Pepper. This poses a risk to those who are sensitive to sugar, such as individuals with diabetes.
Understanding Sugar Content
On June 5, the FDA reclassified this recall as a Class II, indicating a situation where the use of, or exposure to, the product may result in temporary adverse health consequences, though the likelihood of serious health issues remains minimal.
Details of the Recall
The recall encompasses 19,203 cans packed in either 12- or 24-pack cases of 12-fluid ounces, distributed in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. The recalled items bear the product code XXXXRS05165 and carry a “Best By” date of February 16, 2026.
Other Recent Recalls: Topo Chico
Also recently, Coca-Cola issued a voluntary recall of Topo Chico mineral water across five states due to potential Pseudomonas contamination, which can be fatal for individuals with compromised immune systems. The affected products were distributed in Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas.
Eggs
This month also saw a significant egg recall. The FDA reported that August Egg Company from Hilmar, California, is recalling 1.7 million dozen brown cage-free and organic eggs due to potential Salmonella contamination. The potentially contaminated eggs were distributed from February 3 to May 15, 2025.
Tostitos Cantina Chips
Earlier this year, a limited quantity of 13-ounce bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips was recalled due to undeclared milk, which poses a risk for those with milk allergies. The recall impacted less than 1,300 bags sold in multiple states.
Stouffer’s and Lean Cuisine Frozen Meals
Earlier this year, Nestlé USA voluntarily recalled some Lean Cuisine and Stouffer’s frozen meals due to the potential presence of foreign materials. The recall pertains to several specific meal types produced between August 2024 and March 2025.
FAQs
- What causes food recalls?
- Food recalls can occur due to various reasons, including contamination, mislabeling, and sanitation violations.
- How can I find out if a product has been recalled?
- Consumers can check the FDA’s website or contact the manufacturer directly for information on recalls.
- Are all recalls dangerous?
- No, not all recalls pose a serious risk; some may only cause temporary health issues.
- What should I do if I have a recalled product?
- If you possess a recalled product, stop using it, dispose of it safely, or return it to the store for a refund.
- Can recalls happen with fresh produce?
- Yes, recalls can occur with any food items, including fresh produce, due to contamination or pesticide concerns.
- How often do food recalls happen?
- Food recalls have increased in frequency, with many occurring every year across various categories.
