3 minNews
FDA Classifies Recall of 1.7 Million Pounds of Sugar Over Wheat Contamination
United Sugar Producers and Refiners recalled more than 1.7 million pounds of brown and powdered sugar sold in eight states after potential wheat kernel contamination, and the FDA has assigned the recall a Class II risk level.
United Sugar Producers and Refiners has recalled more than 1.7 million pounds of brown and powdered sugar because of potential contamination with wheat kernels, an undeclared allergen that can trigger serious reactions in people with a wheat allergy. The recall covers products sold in eight states — Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas — and includes two consumer-sized items sold under Target's Good & Gather store brand.
The recall was first initiated in August, and on September 21 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration assigned it a Class II risk level. That classification means use of or exposure to the affected product may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, with a remote probability of serious adverse health effects. Wheat is one of nine major food allergens recognized by the FDA.
According to the FDA report, the recalled products range from 2-pound consumer bags to 50-pound bulk packages. The affected items include United Light Brown Sugar in 50-pound bags, item number 810051, and Good & Gather Light Brown Sugar in 2-pound bags, item number 817773, UPC 0 85239-08454 0. Also recalled are United 6X Powdered Sugar in 50-pound bags, item number 810087, UPC 7 85921-07090 4; Crystal Sugar Powdered Sugar in 25-pound bags, item number 810097, UPC 0 70090-08090 9; and Good & Gather Powdered Sugar in 2-pound bags, item number 817774, UPC 0 85239-08455 7.
The batch numbers tied to the recall are MHD26223, MHD26224, MHD26225, MHD26226, MHD26227, MHD26228, MHD26229, and MHD26230, depending on the product. The FDA report does not specify which retailers or businesses received the recalled sugar, though the two smaller bags are sold under Good & Gather, Target's owned food brand.
The quantity listed in the report — 12,678 CWT and 4,265 CWT — likely refers to hundredweight, which converts to nearly 1.7 million pounds of sugar. United Sugar Producers & Refiners says on its website that it supplies industrial and retail customers nationwide and currently provides about one-quarter of total U.S. sugar demand.
Consumers who have the recalled products at home should check the item numbers, UPC codes, and batch numbers printed on the packaging. Anyone with a wheat allergy should avoid using the affected sugar and should follow standard recall procedures, which typically include returning the product to the place of purchase or disposing of it safely. The FDA has not reported any confirmed illnesses linked to the recall.
The recall adds to a series of recent food safety actions that have affected common pantry staples and household products. For shoppers in the eight affected states, the practical step is to compare the packaging in their kitchens against the FDA's published identifiers before using brown or powdered sugar purchased in recent months.
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