Dr. Pepper has announced a voluntary recall of over 19,000 cases of its Zero Sugar Dr. Pepper soda across three Southern states, including South Carolina. The recall stems from a critical mislabeling error: cans marked as “Zero Sugar” actually contain the full-sugar product, posing a significant health risk, particularly for individuals managing diabetes or those who must limit their sugar intake.
The affected products are 12-ounce cans of Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar, sold in both 12-pack and 24-pack cases, with a “Best By” date of February 16, 2026. South Carolina consumers are urged to check their Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar products for the affected code: XXXXRS05165.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently upgraded this recall to a Class II classification, signifying that the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. However, for individuals relying on zero-sugar products due to health conditions, the consumption of full-sugar soda could lead to serious health complications, including spikes in blood sugar levels.
“This recall is particularly important for our diabetic community in South Carolina,” stated a local health advocate. “It’s crucial for everyone to double-check their purchases and ensure they’re not inadvertently consuming a product that could jeopardize their health.”
What South Carolina Consumers Should Do:
If you’ve purchased Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar with a “Best By” date of February 16, 2026, and the product code XXXXRS05165, you have two options:
- Return for a Full Refund: You can return the affected cases to the place of purchase for a complete refund.
- Safe Disposal: Alternatively, consumers can safely dispose of the recalled product.
Consumers are encouraged to spread the word about this recall, especially to friends, family, and neighbors who may be impacted. For any questions or concerns, you can typically find Dr. Pepper’s customer service information on their official website.
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