FDA Recalls 28 Beverage Products as of June 2024
In June 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a sweeping recall of 28 widely sold beverage products due to serious health and safety concerns. These recalls were prompted by a broad spectrum of violations, including the presence of carcinogenic chemicals, undisclosed pharmaceutical drugs, excessive heavy metals, microbial contamination, undeclared allergens, and mislabeling that could mislead or endanger consumers. From everyday staples like apple juice and herbal teas to popular bottled water and infant formula, the range of affected products underscores how vulnerable even familiar drinks can be to contamination and quality lapses.
This alarming recall not only raises red flags for public health but also strengthens the case for adopting a non-toxic lifestyle — one that prioritizes clean, chemical-free beverages and foods. As more consumers become aware of the risks posed by synthetic additives, pesticide residues, and hidden contaminants, the demand for transparency and third-party certifications has never been greater. Unfortunately, many products marketed as “natural” or “healthy” may still contain potentially harmful substances that go undisclosed on the label.
If you're striving to build a safer, toxin-free home, knowing which beverages to avoid, and why, is an essential part of informed living. Whether you're shopping for your family, selecting drinks for children, or simply trying to reduce your toxic load, understanding these recalls can empower better decisions. The following summary breaks down each of the recalled products and explains the hidden dangers they pose. Each item serves as a reminder that reading labels isn't always enough; true safety comes from sourcing clean products, supporting ethical brands, and staying informed through trusted resources.
1. Cancer-Causing Contaminants
- Martinelli's Apple Juice (1L): Recalled for high levels of inorganic arsenic, a known human carcinogen [CDC Arsenic Profile].
- Charles Boggini Pink Lemonade: Contained undeclared FD&C Red No. 40, a dye often contaminated with benzidine which is another known carcinogen [PMID: 16140681].
2. Undisclosed Drugs in Tea
- Tapee Tea: Found to contain dexamethasone and piroxicam which are two pharmaceutical drugs that can cause adverse reactions when consumed unknowingly [FDA Recall Database].
3. Pesticide Residues
- Yogi Organic Echinacea Immune Tea: Contained pesticide levels above federal limits. Many pesticides are considered endocrine disruptors or carcinogenic [EWG Pesticide Guide].
4. Heavy Metal Hazards
- Powerade Zero (Various Flavors): Recalled due to a stainless steel object found in some bottles which is a serious physical hazard [FDA, 2024].
5. Bacteria-Contaminated Water and Infant Formula
- Fiji Water (500mL 24-pack): Tested positive for manganese and multiple bacteria strains. High levels of manganese can impact brain function, particularly in children [ATSDR Manganese Profile].
- Enfamil Nutramigen & Crecelac Goat Milk Formula: Contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacterium that can be fatal for infants [PMID: 29086155].
6. Microbial Contamination
- Rise Brewing Organic Oat Milk (32 oz): Recalled due to microbial contamination, which could lead to foodborne illness.
- Barsotti & Trader Joe’s Organic Carrot Juice: Underprocessed products posed bacterial risks [FDA Enforcement Reports].
7. Undeclared Allergens
- Charles Boggini Beverages: Multiple products contained undeclared sulfites and Yellow No. 5 and both can trigger serious allergic reactions.
- House of Coffee Beans: Risk of cross-contact with almonds, pecans, and coconut.
- Longreen Corporation Coffees: Included undeclared soy lecithin and coconut oil.
8. Physical Contaminants
- Waiakea Hawaiian Water (1L): Contained visible floating particles, possibly due to inadequate filtration or sealing.
9. Vitamin Overdose Risk
- Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3 Liquid: Detected with dangerously high levels of vitamin D3 which poses toxicity risks for infants [PMID: 26096793].
10. Mislabeling and Nutritional Concerns
- Schweppes Zero Sugar Ginger Ale: Contained sugar despite being labeled as “Zero Sugar” which is a major concern for diabetics.
- Mug Root Beer (12 oz cans): Improperly labeled, potentially misleading consumers.
- Sammy’s Milk & Mt. Capra Goat Milk Formula Kit: Found nutritionally incomplete and linked to iron-deficiency anemia in babies [PMID: 33531230].
This wave of recalls underscores the growing importance of reading labels and supporting brands that value ingredient transparency. For those living a non-toxic lifestyle, these events serve as a reminder to seek out certified organic beverages, third-party tested products, and brands that disclose full ingredient sourcing. As part of our commitment to non-toxic living, Roots ’n’ Fruits will continue sharing verified, up-to-date information to empower safer consumer choices.
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