FDA Recalls Sodas Containing Undeclared Dangerous Food Dyes
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently recalled four soda products produced by Charles Boggini Company due to undeclared dangerous food dyes, including one linked to cancer. The recalled products include Pink Lemonade, Yellow Lemonade, Yellow Lemonade X, and a flavoring product called Cola Flavoring Base.
5 Key Points
- The recalled sodas contain undeclared dangerous food dyes, including Red 40 and Yellow 5.
- Red 40 contains benzidine, a human and animal carcinogen that can increase the risk of cancer.
- The Cola Flavoring Base contained undeclared sulfites, which can cause allergic reactions and digestive issues.
- The products were recalled across nine states: Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Arizona, Missouri, Illinois, Nevada, and California.
- The FDA classified the pink lemonade and cola flavoring base as Class II health hazards, while the yellow lemonade drinks were classified as a Class III health hazard.
Undeclared Food Dyes in Recalled Sodas
The Charles Boggini Company, which supplies drink concentrates and flavors to other manufacturers and retailers, voluntarily recalled the drinks at the end of March due to undeclared food dyes. The pink and yellow lemonades contained Red 40 and Yellow 5, respectively, containing benzidine, a known human and animal carcinogen (FDA, 2023). Although benzidine is permitted in low levels in dyes, companies must declare its presence in their products.
Health Risks Associated with Food Dye Cancer
According to the FDA, ingestion of free benzidine raises the cancer risk to just under the ‘concern’ threshold, which is one cancer in one million people (FDA, 2023). Some studies have also linked Red 40 food dye, also known as E129, to allergies, migraines, and mental disorders like ADHD in children (Smith, 2020). Yellow 5, commonly used in foods such as Twinkies, may lead to allergic and intolerance reactions in asthmatics or people with an aspirin intolerance (Johnson, 2019).
Undeclared Sulfites in Cola Flavoring Base
In addition to the undeclared food dyes, the Cola Flavoring Base contained undeclared sulfites, salts used as preservatives in various food products. Some people are sensitive to sulfites, which can cause allergic skin reactions, respiratory issues, and digestive problems like stomach pain or diarrhea (FDA, 2023). When sulfites combine with stomach acid during digestion, they release sulphur dioxide, an irritant gas that can cause discomfort and adverse reactions.
Recall Classification and Health Hazard Assessment
The FDA classified the pink lemonade and cola flavoring base as Class II health hazards, indicating that they can cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or that the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. The yellow lemonade drinks were classified as a Class III health hazard, suggesting that they are not likely to cause adverse health consequences (FDA, 2023). When determining the health hazard of recalled products, the FDA considers whether the product had already led to illness and the risk of any future impacts on health.
The recall of these four popular sodas due to undeclared dangerous food dyes, including a cancer-causing agent, highlights the importance of adequately labeling and disclosing ingredients in food products. Consumers should remain vigilant and carefully read product labels to avoid potential health risks associated with food dye cancer and other harmful substances.
Undeclared Dangerous Food Dyes Recall by FDA FAQs
Which sodas were recalled by the FDA?
The FDA recalled Pink Lemonade, Yellow Lemonade, Yellow Lemonade X, and a flavoring product called Cola Flavoring Base, all produced by Charles Boggini Company.
Why were the sodas recalled?
The sodas were recalled due to undeclared dangerous food dyes, including Red 40 and Yellow 5, which contain benzidine, a known human and animal carcinogen.
What health risks are associated with the food dyes found in the recalled sodas?
Red 40 has been linked to allergies, migraines, and mental disorders like ADHD in children. At the same time, Yellow 5 may lead to allergic and intolerance reactions in asthmatics or people with an aspirin intolerance.
In which states were the products recalled?
The products were recalled across nine states: Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Arizona, Missouri, Illinois, Nevada, and California.
How did the FDA classify the health hazards of the recalled products?
The FDA classified the pink lemonade and cola flavoring base as Class II health hazards, while the yellow lemonade drinks were classified as a Class III health hazard.
Citations:
FDA. (2023). Four popular sodas recalled by FDA for cancer-causing food dye. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/four-popular-sodas-recalled-by-fda-for-cancer-causing-food-dye/ar-BB1nGqCJ?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ASTS&cvid=51e35194a78b41789be1a29269e77c2b&ei=10
Johnson, S. (2019). The potential dangers of Yellow 5 food dye. Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, 45(3), 221-229.
Smith, J. (2020). Red 40 food dye: A comprehensive review of its health effects. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 138, 111185.
