In a surprising turn of events, The Coca-Cola Company has initiated a recall of 13,152 cases of Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade due to a significant packaging error. The affected products, distributed across Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, contain regular sugar-sweetened lemonade despite being labeled as zero sugar variants.
What happened with the Minute Maid recall
The mix-up occurred when regular Minute Maid Lemonade cans were mistakenly packed into cartons labeled as Zero Sugar Lemonade. The difference between the two products is substantial – while the zero sugar version contains just 5 calories and no sugar per can, the regular version packs 150 calories and 40 grams of sugar.
The Food and Drug Administration has classified this as a Class II recall, indicating a situation where exposure to the mislabeled product might cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences. The recall specifically affects 12-can cartons with the UPC code 0 25000 12115 9.
How to identify affected products
Consumers can identify the recalled products through specific codes printed on both the cartons and individual cans. Look for the codes FEB1725CNA and FEB1725CNB, along with the phrase “CANNED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, ATLANTA, GA” printed on the right side of the nutrition facts panel.
The recall encompasses products shipped to retail stores across three states – Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. While the initial recall was issued in September 2024, the FDA updated its status to Class II in October 2024.
What consumers should do now
If you’ve purchased Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade in any of the affected states, check your product against the recall information. What if you find affected products? Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
The good news? Coca-Cola has confirmed that no recalled products remain in retail circulation, and all recall activities in the affected markets are complete. However, consumers should remain vigilant and verify any remaining stock in their homes.
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of proper product labeling and the potential impact of packaging errors. While the consequences of this particular mix-up might seem minor to some, for individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such mislabeling could pose unexpected challenges.
