A Connecticut-based beverage company, Charles Boggini Company, has issued a voluntary recall of several of its products due to undeclared preservatives and food dyes on the labels.
The recall includes “Yellow Lemonade,” “Yellow Lemonade X,” “Pink Lemonade,” and “Cola Flavoring Base,” according to enforcement reports posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The company informed FOX Business that the labeling issue is being addressed. The “Pink Lemonade” product contains undeclared FD&C Red No. 40, while both the “Yellow Lemonade” and “Yellow Lemonade X” contain undeclared FD&C Yellow No. 5.
The “Cola Flavoring Base” contains undeclared sulfites, a chemical preservative known to trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Red dye 40 is also a concern as it contains benzene, a substance linked to cancer.
FD&C Yellow No. 5, also known as tartrazine, can cause itching and hives in some individuals. Moreover, a study published in the National Library of Medicine has linked tartrazine to hyperactivity in children.
The recalled products were distributed in either one- or five-gallon containers to distributors across nine states: Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Arizona, Michigan, Illinois, Nevada, and California.
The FDA classified the recalls for “Pink Lemonade” and “Cola Flavoring Base” as Class II recalls. A Class II recall is issued when the use of or exposure to a product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, with the probability of serious adverse health consequences being remote.
The recalls for “Yellow Lemonade” and “Yellow Lemonade X” were classified as Class III recalls. A Class III recall is issued when the use of or exposure to a recalled product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.
Consumers who have purchased these products are advised to return them to the place of purchase or dispose of them. The company is working to correct the labeling issues to ensure compliance with FDA regulations and to safeguard consumer health.
