Coca-Cola recalls ‘zero sugar’ drink after it’s found to be full of sugar

Coca-Cola has recalled one of its top-selling ‘zero sugar’ drinks after finding that it does contain sugar.

The beverage giant issued the recall last month after finding that 13,152 cases of Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade were incorrectly labeled. 

The sugar-free drink actually contained 40 grams of sugar per 12-ounce can, the equivalent of four Krispy Kreme donuts or a McDonald’s McFlurry. This is the same amount as the brand’s full-sugar lemonade.

According to an FDA alert, the mislabeled product was shipped to retail stores in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. 

All affected cases, each with 12 cartons of a dozen 12-ounce cans, have been removed from shelves.

Unknowingly drinking a full-sugar beverage could exacerbate conditions like diabetes, where sugar intake has to be carefully monitored

A Coca-Cola spokesperson said in a statement: ‘In September, Coca-Cola Consolidated voluntarily recalled a limited quantity of Minute Maid Lemonade 12-ounce cans in parts of Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.

‘No impacted product remains in the market, and all recall activities in those markets are complete.’

The FDA advised customers who purchased the drinks to throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. 

The agency classified the recall as Class II, which ‘involves a health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from use of the product.’ 

For example, unknowingly drinking a full-sugar beverage could exacerbate conditions like diabetes, where sugar intake has to be carefully monitored. 

The affected drinks included cartons with the codes: FEB1725CNA or FEB1725CNB. The UPC code is 0 25000 12115 9.