Map Shows States Hit by 1.7M-Pound Sugar Recall as FDA Sets Risk Level - Newsweek

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week assigned a Class II risk classification to a recent recall involving nearly 1.7 million pounds of sugar products that may contain undeclared wheat contamination.

Wheat is one of the FDA's nine major food allergens, and exposure could pose health risks for people with wheat allergies.

Consumers and commercial buyers in eight states are being urged to check affected products, while retailers and distributors continue removing the recalled inventory from circulation.

Newsweek has reached out to the FDA, Target Corp. and United Sugar Producers and Refiners for comment.

Under FDA definitions, a Class II recall involves products that could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects if consumed or otherwise used.

The agency says the likelihood of severe or long-term consequences is considered remote.

That distinction places the sugar recall below the agency's most serious Class I category, which is reserved for products that could cause serious injury or death.

The recall covers approximately 1.27 million pounds of light brown sugar and about 426,500 pounds of powdered sugar. The products were distributed in consumer-sized packages and larger commercial bags supplied to businesses and food-service operations.

Minneapolis-based United Sugar Producers and Refiners launched the voluntary recall on August 19 after discovering possible wheat kernel contamination in certain sugar products.

The concern stems from the fact that consumers purchasing plain brown sugar or powdered sugar would not reasonably expect wheat to be present. As a result, individuals with wheat allergies may not take precautions they otherwise would if the ingredient were disclosed on packaging.

According to FDA guidance, allergic reactions can range from relatively mild symptoms, such as itching, hives or swelling, to more severe complications. In some cases, exposure to an allergen can trigger anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

The recall spans multiple brands and package sizes and affects products sold at the retail and wholesale levels. Among the recalled items are:

Affected products carry batch numbers ranging from MHD26223 through MHD26229, although some powdered sugar products have different lot-specific identifiers.

The recalled inventory includes two-pound consumer bags sold in stores as well as commercial packages weighing 25 pounds and 50 pounds.

Good & Gather products are associated with Target's private-label grocery brand, but the recall is not limited to Target stores.

The FDA said multiple channels distributed the affected products, including commercial customers and other retailers.

Consumers are advised to verify the exact brand, package size and batch code before assuming a product is affected. The recall does not apply to all sugar sold under the named brands.

The FDA's enforcement report does not break down where each specific product was sold within those states.

Bakeries, food manufacturers, restaurants and other businesses that use bulk sugar may also need to review inventory and supplier records to determine whether affected products were received.

Consumers who have purchased brown sugar or powdered sugar in recent months should compare the product's brand, package information and batch number against the recall listing. People with wheat allergies should be especially vigilant given the potential for exposure to an undeclared allergen.

The FDA says consumers should return recalled products to the place of purchase for a refund. If returning a product is impractical, consumers can safely dispose of it rather than using it in cooking or baking.

The agency also advises against giving recalled products to others. Even if a product appears normal, the potential allergen contamination means it may not be safe for individuals with wheat sensitivities.

No broader recall of all United, Crystal Sugar or Good & Gather sugar products has been announced. The action remains limited to specific batches identified by the manufacturer and listed in the FDA's enforcement report.

Consumers with affected products should return them to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of them and can contact Target Guest Services at 1-800-440-0680 or United Sugar Producers and Refiners at 1-800-984-3585 for additional assistance.

Newsweek’s reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here.

Contact Newsweek editors for this story: Steve Mollman and Anthony Murray.