NuNaturals, a company specialising in zero-sugar sweeteners, has had its voluntary recall of certain organic monk fruit and stevia products elevated to a Class II risk level by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall, initially issued in July, was prompted by a labelling mix-up in which bottles labelled as stevia were filled with monk fruit sweetener, and vice versa.
According to the FDA, a Class II recall indicates that exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or that the probability of serious harm is remote. The mislabelling could pose a particular risk to individuals allergic to ragweed and related plants, who may also have a sensitivity to stevia. While monk fruit allergies are rare, they are possible, and reactions can range from mild irritation to severe complications such as anaphylaxis.
The affected products include Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener bottles with UPC code 7 39223 00187 and lot number 25104S, as well as Organic Pure Stevia bottles with UPC code 7 39223 00204 0 and the same lot number. NuNaturals has stated that 78 bottles of each sweetener are affected. Specific details about where the mislabelled bottles were sold have not been released.
This recall is part of a series of labelling errors in recent weeks. In late July, High Noon Hard Seltzers were recalled after some cans containing alcoholic vodka seltzer were mislabelled as a non-alcoholic energy drink. No illnesses or adverse events have been reported in connection with that issue. Earlier, on 14 July, Bunge North America recalled 1,800 cases of its NH European Style Butter Blend because milk was not declared as an allergen on the label. More than 64,000 pounds of the affected butter were distributed to 12 centres in the US and one in the Dominican Republic.
Consumers who have purchased the affected sweeteners are advised to check the UPC and lot numbers and to contact NuNaturals for further guidance. The company has not yet reported any adverse health incidents linked to the mislabelling.
