FDA recalls 1.7 million pounds of sugar: Check if your brown or powdered sugar is affected | Today’s news
Nearly 1.7 million pounds of brown and powdered sugar have been recalled in the U.S. over concerns that some of the products may contain wheat kernels, prompting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to classify the action as a Class II recall.
FDA recalls 1.7 million pounds of sugar
The recall affects select products sold under the United, Good & Gather and Crystal Sugar brands. The affected sugar was distributed to eight states – Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.
The recall was initiated by Minneapolis-based United Sugar Producers and Refiners on August 19 and was classified as Class II by the FDA on September 21.
The agency’s classification means that exposure to the affected products may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, while the likelihood of serious adverse health effects is considered low.
Concerns center on possible contamination of wheat grains. Wheat is one of the nine major food allergens recognized by the FDA, so the recall is especially important for people with wheat allergies.
What are the recalled products?
The recalled products include both consumer and commercial size packaging. They include 2-pound bags of Good & Gather Light Brown Sugar and Good & Gather Powdered Sugar, brands owned by Target, along with 50-pound bags of United Light Brown Sugar and United 6X Powdered Sugar. Granulated sugar Powdered sugar in 25-pound bags is also included.
Affected batch numbers generally range from MHD26223 to MHD26229, while the recalled powdered sugar bears batch number MHD26230.
Consumers are advised to check the brand, size and lot number of a product rather than assuming that all products under a particular brand are part of the recall.
The recall affects about 1.27 million pounds of light brown sugar and 426,500 pounds of powdered sugar, bringing the total to nearly 1.7 million pounds. The FDA records the amount in hundredweight, which is a volumetric measurement equivalent to 100 pounds.
Targeted customers in Texas are among those who may have purchased the affected products. The San Antonio Express-News reported that some Good & Gather brown and powdered sugar products were sold at Target stores in the state. However, the FDA record does not provide a complete list of individual retailers who received the recalled products.
Consumers who are affected by sugar should not use it, especially if they have a wheat allergy. Recalled products can be returned at the point of purchase where possible, while products that cannot be returned should be disposed of rather than consumed.
The FDA Food Recall Database lists action among ongoing food recalls.
