More than 8,000 cans of lemonade distributed across multiple states in the United States are being recalled due to the undeclared presence of a food additive known as “yellow #5.”
The FDA has classified the recall as a Class II risk.
Why It Matters
“Certain food and color additives can cause hyper-sensitivity reactions, or food intolerances, in some consumers,” according to the FDA.
According to the FDA, people who are sensitive to this food coloring may experience mild to moderate symptoms.
A Class II recall refers to an occasion when “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.”
Class I is the most serious risk classification, indicating that “there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Meanwhile, Class III is defined as “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.”
What To Know
According to a release from the FDA, Oak Cliff Beverage Works (OCBW) of Dallas, Texas issued a voluntary recall of its Beverage Base Lemonade on January 31. The center classification date was given as February 25.
Affected by the recall were 8,847 units, including “Beverage Base Lemonade, 3 gallon,” with a best by date of December 12, 2025 and “Beverage Base Lemonade, 5 gallon,” with a best by date of January 12, 2026.
Also recalled were 8,847 units of “Beverage Base Sweet&Sour, 3 gallon,” with a best by date of December 10, 2025.
The products were distributed to the following states:
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Kentucky
- Missouri
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Texas
What People Are Saying
OCBW President & CEO Amy Wilder told Newsweek: that the company’s products have not changed. Since 2009, we have never used any ingredients that have not been approved by the FDA. The FDA has assured us that there are no health or safety risks in consuming our beverages.
“It was simply a mislabeling issue. We remain committed to focusing on our social responsibility and keeping our customers informed. As a result, we initiated the recall voluntarily, and all labeling issues have been addressed.”
The FDA previously told Newsweek: “The majority of recalls in the United States are carried out voluntarily by the product manufacturer, and when a company issues a public warning, typically via news release, to inform the public of a voluntary product recall, the FDA shares that release on our website as a public service.
“The FDA’s role during a voluntary, firm-initiated, recall is to review the recall strategy, evaluate the health hazard presented by the product, monitor the recall, and as appropriate alert the public and other companies in the supply chain about the recall.”
What Happens Next
The recall is listed as ongoing.
