Zero-sugar soda cans recalled in the US: FDA cites class II health risk; know how serious it is
A major soda recall is underway following the discovery of thousands of cans of Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar containing regular, full-sugar soda. The mislabeling issue, which impacts multiple southeastern states, has triggered a voluntary recall.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the recall and has officially categorized it as a Class II health risk. The 'Class II health risk' means that the affected products may cause 'temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences' if consumed.
What's being recalled?
According to the FDA, the recall involves 19,203 cases of Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar 12-ounce aluminum cans, sold in 12-pack and 24-pack formats. As per the report, the affected products were distributed to retail locations across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
The mislabeling means that while the cans are labeled as "Zero Sugar," they might actually contain full-sugar soda. This presents potential risks for individuals who have conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or those simply trying to manage their sugar intake.
However , the good news is that the recalled cans can be easily identified by the production code 'XXXXRS05165' and a best-by date of February 16, 2026, printed on the packaging.
When did the issue come to light?
The issue first came to light when the product's manufacturer, Keurig Dr Pepper, initiated a voluntary recall on May 23, 2025. The FDA then officially listed the incident as a Class II recall on June 5.
Per the FDA classification system, a Class II recall occurs 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.'
In a statement to ABC News, Keurig Dr Pepper said the affected soda cans were produced at a PepsiCo bottling facility that is licensed to manufacture certain Keurig Dr Pepper products. The company added that 'the recalled product has been removed from stores' and did not report receiving any complaints or reports of illness related to the error.
Typically, Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar is made using aspartame, a sugar substitute, to offer a low-calorie alternative to sugary sodas.
Consuming large amounts of sugar when expecting a sugar-free product could be particularly risky for people with blood sugar sensitivities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that added sugars in beverages like sodas are a major contributor to health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Source: Canva
Consumers are advised not to consume the product if it matches the recalled batch.
You can report any adverse reactions or quality issues to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.
How the FDA classifies recalls based on health hazards
When a product is recalled, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assigns it a classification to indicate the level of health risk it poses to the public. These recall classifications—Class I, II, or III—are based on the potential severity of the health consequences associated with using or being exposed to the product.
Class I Recall
This is the most serious type of recall. It applies to situations where there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to the product will result in serious health problems or even death. These recalls often involve issues like contamination, incorrect labeling on life-saving drugs, or malfunctioning medical devices.
Class II Recall
This classification is used when the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, but the risk of serious injury is considered remote.
These recalls may involve products with minor labeling errors or products that fail to meet quality standards but are not life-threatening.
Class III Recall
A Class III recall is issued when the product is unlikely to cause any adverse health effects. These are generally administrative in nature and may involve minor violations, such as packaging defects or slight deviations from labeling requirements, that do not pose a health hazard.
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