FDA raises NuNaturals sweetener recall to class II over labelling error

U.S.A. – NuNaturals, a company known for its zero-sugar sweeteners, has voluntarily recalled specific lots of NuNaturals Organic Pure Stevia and NuNaturals Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener, over a labelling error that could pose health risks to allergy sufferers.

The labelling mix-up revealed that bottles labelled as Stevia were filled with the monk fruit sweetener and vice versa.

Initially issued in July, the recall has now been elevated by the FDA to a Class II, the second-highest risk level: a situation in which 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.

The mislabelling can pose a serious health risk to those allergic to ragweed and related plants, as they may have a sensitivity to stevia. On the other hand, Monk fruit allergies, though rare, are also possible. 

The severity of an allergic reaction can vary from mild irritation to potential complications, including anaphylaxis, resulting in respiratory problems. To date, no one has reported illnesses or adverse reactions linked to this recall.

NuNaturals has reported that 78 bottles of the Monk Fruit and 78 bottles of the Stevia sweeteners were affected by the recall.

The affected Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener bottles have the UPC: 7 39223 00187 and lot number: 25104S. Organic Pure Stevia bottles have the UPC: 7 39223 00204 0 and lot number: 25104S.

Specific information on where the mislabelled bottles were sold was not made available.

Alcohol-filled cans mislabelled as energy drinks

This incident follows other recent mislabelling recalls, including High Noon’s withdrawal of two production lots of its Beach Variety 12-packs. Some cans, labelled as CELSIUS® ASTRO VIBE™ Energy Drink, were filled with High Noon vodka seltzer, posing a risk of unintentional alcohol consumption. 

No illnesses have been reported, but affected CELSIUS cans with lot codes L CCB 02JL25 2:55 to L CCB 02JL25 3:11 should be disposed of immediately. 

This also applies to those not purchased in a High Noon Beach Variety pack; consumers are advised to ensure their CELSIUS ASTRO VIBE Energy Drink, Sparkling Blue Razz Edition, does not contain the mentioned lot codes before consuming.

The recall was initiated after High Noon discovered that a shared packaging supplier mistakenly shipped empty CELSIUS cans to High Noon.

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