PepsiCo has recalled one of its best-selling “zero sugar” drinks after an internal investigation found that it actually contains sugar.
The soft drink giant has recalled some sugar-free and caffeine-free Schweppes Zero Sugar Ginger Ale because they contain “total sugar,” according to the FDA.
The FDA said in a report that 233 cases of 7.5 fluid ounce (221 milliliters) cans shipped to Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia were affected.
It is unclear if the recalled soda has been removed from store shelves.
However, customers who purchased the product are advised to throw it away, especially if they need to monitor their blood sugar level, such as diabetics.
The soda giant recalled some sugar-free and caffeine-free Schweppes Zero Sugar Ginger Ale on March 9 because they contain “total sugar,” according to the FDA.
Schweppes Zero Sugar Ginger Ale ingredients are listed as: carbonated water, malic acid, sodium citrate, sodium benzoate (preservative), aspartame, natural flavors, caramel color, acesulfame potassium.
Total sugars and added sugars values appear as zero on the back of the can.
The affected products have the code May 20 24 MAY20240520VS02164 – MAY20240550VS02164, the FDA said.
Sugar-free and low-calorie drinks have gained popularity as consumers become more health conscious, and sales of sugar-free sodas increased nearly 20 percent between 2018 and 2021.
And there is increasing pressure on manufacturers to reduce the sugar content of their drinks.
In recent years, at least eight U.S. jurisdictions and 50 countries have implemented a sugary beverage tax, also known as a soda tax.
Earlier this year in the UK, popular soft drink Vimto was urgently pulled from stores after the drink was labeled with a false claim reading “No Added Sugar.”
There has also been growing concern about artificial sweeteners.
Last year, the World Health Organization’s cancer research agency classified the popular artificial sweetener aspartame as a possible carcinogen.