On July 31, 2025, a significant recall was initiated by Buffalo Rock Company, a Birmingham, Alabama-based bottler, affecting nearly 2,000 cases of 7Up Zero Sugar Tropical Soda. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that over 23,000 cans were pulled from store shelves due to a critical labeling error.
These cans, marketed as “zero sugar,” were mistakenly filled with a full-sugar product, posing potential health risks, particularly for consumers who rely on accurate labeling for dietary or medical reasons, such as diabetics or those monitoring sugar intake. The recall, classified as Class II by the FDA, underscores the importance of precise product labeling and the potential consequences of manufacturing errors.
Details of the Recall
The recall involves approximately 1,954 cases of 7Up Zero Sugar Tropical Soda, totaling 23,448 individual 12-fluid-ounce aluminum cans. These cans were packaged in 12-pack cardboard cartons labeled as “7Up Tropical Flavored Soda.” The affected products bear a use-by date of March 23, 2026, and are identified by lot numbers XXXXBR062156 and XXXXBR062256. The can UPC is 078000037975, while the carton UPC is 078000037982. The soda was distributed primarily in Alabama and Northwest Florida, with some reports indicating distribution in parts of Georgia.
The issue came to light when it was discovered that the cans, labeled as “zero sugar,” actually contained the full-sugar version of 7Up Tropical, which has approximately 38 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving. This mislabeling could have serious implications for consumers who choose zero-sugar products to manage health conditions or maintain specific dietary preferences.
The FDA classified the recall as Class II, indicating that consumption of the mislabeled product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or that the probability of serious health issues is remote. Despite the relatively low risk, the recall emphasizes the need for vigilance in food and beverage production to prevent such errors.
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Buffalo Rock Company, in collaboration with Keurig Dr Pepper, the parent company of 7Up, initiated the voluntary recall to address the issue promptly. Keurig Dr Pepper issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to product safety and quality, noting that they are working closely with the bottler to resolve the issue. Consumers who have purchased the affected products are advised to check the lot numbers and use-by dates on their cans or cartons and either dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement.
Health and Safety Implications
The mislabeling of 7Up Zero Sugar Tropical Soda as “zero sugar” when it contains full sugar is particularly concerning for individuals who rely on accurate nutritional information. For people with diabetes, consuming a beverage with 38 grams of sugar per serving could lead to significant blood sugar spikes, potentially causing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or more severe complications if not managed properly.
Similarly, individuals on low-sugar or ketogenic diets, as well as parents or caregivers providing the soda to children, may unknowingly expose themselves or others to unwanted sugar intake. The FDA’s Class II designation suggests that the health risks are not life-threatening for most consumers, but the impact can still be significant for those with specific medical or dietary needs.
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For example, a diabetic individual expecting a sugar-free beverage could experience adverse effects from the unexpected sugar content. Additionally, the recall highlights broader concerns about trust in product labeling. Consumers rely on accurate labels to make informed choices, and errors like this can erode confidence in brands and manufacturers.
Keurig Dr Pepper has encouraged consumers with questions or concerns to contact their Consumer Care team at 866-824-1711. This recall is not an isolated incident; earlier in 2025, a similar issue led to the recall of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar cans, which were also found to contain full-sugar product. These incidents underscore the challenges in maintaining quality control across large-scale beverage production and distribution networks. While the soda itself is not inherently unsafe, the discrepancy between the labeling and the actual contents necessitates caution, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Consumer Actions and Industry Response
For consumers in Alabama, Northwest Florida, and Georgia, checking the details of any 7Up Zero Sugar Tropical Soda in their possession is crucial. The affected products can be identified by their specific lot numbers (XXXXBR062156 or XXXXBR062256) and the use-by date of March 23, 2026, printed on the cans or cartons.
If a consumer has purchased a 12-pack of 7Up Zero Sugar Tropical Soda matching these identifiers, they should avoid consuming it, especially if they monitor sugar intake for medical or dietary reasons. The recommended course of action is to either dispose of the product safely or return it to the retailer for a refund or exchange.
Retailers in the affected regions have been notified and are removing the mislabeled products from their shelves. The recall process, initiated on July 31 and updated by the FDA on August 20, demonstrates a proactive approach by Buffalo Rock Company and Keurig Dr Pepper to mitigate potential harm. The companies have emphasized that only the Tropical variety produced by Buffalo Rock Company is affected, and other 7Up products remain safe for consumption.
This incident also sheds light on broader issues within the food and beverage industry. Mislabeling errors, while rare, can occur due to human error, equipment malfunctions, or oversight during production. The FDA’s role in overseeing recalls ensures that such issues are addressed swiftly, but it also highlights the importance of rigorous quality control measures at every stage of production. For consumers, this serves as a reminder to routinely check product labels, lot numbers, and use-by dates, particularly for specialty or diet products where accurate labeling is critical.
The recall of 7Up Zero Sugar Tropical Soda is a cautionary tale about the importance of precision in food and beverage manufacturing. While the immediate health risks may be limited, the incident underscores the potential consequences of even minor errors in labeling. For Keurig Dr Pepper and Buffalo Rock Company, the priority is restoring consumer trust by addressing the issue transparently and ensuring that affected products are removed from circulation. Consumers, in turn, are encouraged to stay vigilant and take appropriate action to protect their health and safety.
In conclusion, the recall of over 23,000 cans of 7Up Zero Sugar Tropical Soda due to incorrect “zero sugar” labeling is a significant event that highlights the importance of accurate product information. By understanding the details of the recall, recognizing the potential health implications, and taking appropriate action, consumers can navigate this issue effectively.
The proactive response from Buffalo Rock Company and Keurig Dr Pepper demonstrates a commitment to consumer safety, but it also serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in large-scale food and beverage production. As the industry continues to address such challenges, consumers are encouraged to remain informed and cautious, ensuring that their dietary choices align with their health needs.