What was in the can wasn't what was promised, leading to possible risks for 40 million Americans with a certain health condition.
Editor’s note: Subsequent to the August 21 publication of this story, on Friday, August 22, a representative for 7UP’s parent company, Keurig Dr. Pepper, reached out to our editorial team with the following: “The safety and quality of our products is our top priority. In line with that commitment, we’re working with one of our bottlers, Buffalo Rock Company, on a voluntary recall of 1,954 cases of 7Up Tropical Regular Sugar. Some of these packs may contain cans that are mislabeled as 7Up Tropical Zero Sugar. The impacted cases were produced by this single bottler and distributed to select retailers in Alabama and Northwest Florida. Consumers are encouraged to contact the Keurig Dr Pepper Consumer Care team (866-824-1711) with any questions or concerns.” In accordance with this information, the earlier reference to Georgia distribution has been removed.
It’s impressive how far “zero sugar” sodas have come in actually replicating the flavor you loved before you had to be mindful of your sweets consumption. Of course, there are still those folks who simply adore their Diet Coke…but to sip a classic like Sunkist, Sprite, or 7UP always brings back the taste of simple pleasures.
For some, the switch to sugar-free sodas has been a way to cut out extra calories. But for the more than 38 million Americans with diabetes, notes national data, the consequence of consuming sugar can turn into a health emergency. As one example, the Mayo Clinic says, diabetic ketoacidosis can occur if blood sugar levels rise very high or are left untreated in individuals with diabetes.
With that in mind, there’s a newly released report from the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the recall of 1,954 cases of 7UP Zero Sugar Tropical Soda, packaged in 12-pack cardboard cartons. The 7UP product was reportedly distributed to Alabama and Northwest Florida. It’s not clear whether it was shipped beyond those states.
A mislabeling issue seemingly set the recall into motion, as the FDA says the “cans are labeled as Zero Sugar, but contain full sugar.” In June, Dr Pepper Zero Sugar cans were recalled for the same reason: the product actually contained full sugar. Both Dr Pepper and 7UP are brands owned by the Keurig Dr Pepper company.
7UP Tropical is a flavor just introduced this past February, per a 7UP social media post. It’s described as a blend of the traditional flavor of 7UP “with tropical flavors of mango and peach.” According to the 7UP website, a 12-fluid ounce can of 7UP Tropical Zero Sugar should be zero calories and zero sugar, using aspartame in place of real sugar. In comparison, a similar can of 7UP Tropical contains 140 calories, 38 grams of sugar, and contains high-fructose corn syrup, which is high on the glycemic index scale.
The provided product details are:
- 7UP Zero Sugar Tropical Soda
- 12 fluid ounces (355 milliliters) aluminum cans
- Packaged in 12 pack cardboard cartons labeled as 7UP Tropical Flavored Soda
- UPC (on can): 078000037975
- UPC (on carton): 078000037982
- Lot Numbers: XXXXBR062156 and XXXXBR062256
- Use by Date: MAR 23 26
The recalling firm, Buffalo Rock Company of Birmingham, AL, is described as “the largest family-owned, privately-held Pepsi and Keurig Dr Pepper bottler in the United States” on its social media accounts.
The recall has been designated a Class II event, which the FDA uses in “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” Today’s FDA report suggests the recall was first initiated on July 31.
We’ve talked to consumers who say they’ve realized what they love most about their sodas is the fizz factor. Seeking out seltzer water with natural fruit juice and low sugar content, or flavoring water with some fruit yourself, is a great way to stay quenched without the glucose surge.
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