Thousands of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar cans actually contain 39 grams of sugar per can, potentially endangering diabetics and others who need to strictly monitor their sugar intake.
Key Takeaways
- The FDA has recalled over 19,000 cases of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar cans that were mislabeled and actually contain full sugar content, posing health risks to diabetics and those monitoring sugar intake.
- Affected Dr Pepper products were distributed in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina with product code XXXXRS05165 and a February 16, 2026 best-by date.
- Topo Chico Mineral Water has been separately recalled from select Costco locations in Texas and Louisiana due to potential contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.
- Both recalls allow consumers to return affected products to their place of purchase for a full refund to protect public health.
Dr Pepper Zero Sugar Recall: Full Sugar Content Found in Zero Sugar Labeled Products
The FDA has issued a Class II recall for thousands of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar cans that actually contain full sugar content. The recall affects 19,203 cases of 12-pack and 24-pack 12-ounce cans distributed throughout Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. According to the FDA, the mislabeled products contain approximately 39 grams of sugar per can instead of the “zero sugar” claimed on the packaging. This error poses significant health risks to consumers who need to avoid sugar for medical reasons, particularly those with diabetes.
“one-of-a-kind blend of its signature 23 flavors in a zero sugar soda,” declared by the company.
Pepsi Beverages Company in Jacksonville, Florida, has been identified as the recalling firm, with the production handled by CB Manufacturing Company. The FDA classified this as a Class II recall, which they define 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.” For diabetics, however, the consequences could be severe, potentially leading to hyperglycemia and even life-threatening diabetes-related ketoacidosis.
How to Identify Affected Products and Obtain Refunds
Consumers who have purchased Dr Pepper Zero Sugar products can identify the recalled cans by looking for the product code XXXXRS05165 and a best-by date of February 16, 2026. The recall does not affect products sold in Texas or other states besides the three southeastern states mentioned. Dr Pepper Zero Sugar was launched in 2021, offering Original, Cherry, and Cream Soda flavors, marketed as having the same taste profile as regular Dr Pepper but without the sugar content.
“zero sugar,” declared by the Company, Pepsi Beverages.
Anyone who has purchased the affected Dr Pepper products is advised to either return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund or safely dispose of them. This recall highlights the importance of accurate food and beverage labeling, especially for products marketed to consumers with specific dietary requirements. The mislabeling of sugar content represents a significant failure in quality control processes that could have serious health consequences.
Topo Chico Mineral Water Also Recalled Due to Bacterial Contamination
In a separate but concurrent recall, Coca-Cola has pulled Topo Chico Mineral Water from select Costco locations in Texas and Louisiana due to potential contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The affected products have the lot number 13A2541 and were sold in 18-pack configurations. While the health risk is considered low for healthy individuals, the bacteria can potentially cause infections in people with weakened immune systems.
“The safety and quality of the products we offer our consumers is our top priority,” declared by Coca-Cola.
Customers who purchased the affected Topo Chico products can return them to Costco for a full refund. These dual recalls of popular beverages highlight ongoing concerns about food and beverage safety, quality control in manufacturing, and the potential risks to consumers when products fail to meet safety standards. Both companies have taken swift action to remove potentially harmful products from the market, but questions remain about how these contamination and labeling issues occurred in the first place.
