Dr Pepper recall upgraded after 19,000 cans mislabelled

Credit: Billy F Blume Jr / Shutterstock.com

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded its recall of more than 19,000 cases of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar to a Class II alert, citing potential health risks linked to mislabelled sugar content.

The voluntary recall, initially announced on 23 May, involves 12-pack and 24-pack cases of 12-ounce cans produced by Pepsi Beverages Company in Jacksonville, Florida.

The affected cans, marked with the product code XXXXRS05165 and a “best by” date of 16 February 2026, were labelled as “zero sugar” but were found to contain the full sugar content of a regular Dr Pepper can, approximately 39 grams. The soda was only distributed to retailers in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

Consumers who purchased the recalled Dr Pepper Zero Sugar cans are urged to return them to their retailers for a full refund or dispose of the products. The recall applies solely to Dr Pepper Zero Sugar and excludes other Dr Pepper varieties.

What is a Class II recall?

The FDA defines a Class II recall as “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.” This classification indicates a moderate risk level linked to the mislabelled product. It is less severe than a Class I recall, which involves a significant risk of serious injury or death, but more serious than a Class III recall, where health risks are unlikely.

Health risks for diabetics

Mislabelling a full-sugar product as “zero sugar” poses a serious health risk to individuals who must avoid sugar, particularly people with diabetes. Unexpected sugar consumption can cause hyperglycemia, a condition where blood glucose levels rise to dangerous levels. This may lead to symptoms such as increased thirst, fatigue and blurred vision.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, if hyperglycemia is left untreated, it can progress to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life-threatening complication.

Recent recalls in the US

This upgraded Dr Pepper recall follows recent high-profile product safety alerts in the US. Last week, Coca-Cola voluntarily recalled Topo Chico Mineral Water due to the possible presence of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In a separate incident, the FDA announced a recall of nearly two million eggs due to a risk of Salmonella contamination.