A warning for a health risk has been issued after NuNaturals removed two of its sugar-free products from sale over a severe labeling mistake.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration labeled the recall as Class II risk level on August 1, the second-highest level, after discovering that the products in the packages did not reflect what was actually labeled.
On July 14, the Eugene, Oregon-based firm launched a voluntary recall of some lots of its Organic Pure Stevia and Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener. The confusion? Bottles that were supposed to contain Organic Pure Stevia contained Monk Fruit powder instead, and bottles labeled Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener contained Stevia powder.
A total of 156 bottles were recalled – 78 bottles of each type – all of which have been sold and distributed to retailers across the country. Although it’s unknown whether consumers have been impacted, the FDA’s category indicates there’s potential for medically reversible or temporary health issues, although serious effects are deemed unlikely.
The recall affects the following products:
Organic Pure Stevia, 1 oz, UPC 7 39223 00204 0, Lot number 25104S, Best by 4/2028, in a white-capped plastic bottle. This item was really Monk Fruit powder under the guise of Stevia.
Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener, 0.71 oz, UPC 7 39223 00187 6, Lot number 25104S, Best by 4/2028, also in a white capped plastic bottle. This was really Stevia powder under the Monk Fruit name.
The FDA classifies a Class II recall as a situation where the use of or exposure to an article can result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, with a low risk of serious harm. To date, the agency and NuNaturals have not provided official word on what consumers should do if they possess the recalled products, and USA TODAY has sought clarification.
Mislabeled mistakes like this can be more than a mere packaging mistake – for individuals with some sensitivities, mislabeling means they’re eating something that they didn’t anticipate. That’s why the FDA takes these events serious, even when the health consequences are deemed minimal.
NuNaturals still hasn’t provided an explanation of how the mistake occurred. The recall arrives at a moment when consumer confidence in “natural” and “clean label” products is at an all-time high, rendering precision in labeling vital to safety and brand reputation.
Until official word on what’s next comes out, consumers who bought these sweeteners should keep the product and packaging in hand in case refunds or returns become available. As both the FDA and the company remain fairly silent on what’s next, it’s waiting for anyone who purchased from these improperly labeled lots.
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