Consumers are being urged to check their drinks carefully after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled 28 beverages in 2024 due to the presence of harmful, undisclosed ingredients — from toxic metals to cancer-linked dyes. The scandal highlights growing concern over food safety and transparent labeling in the beverage industry.
While many well-known products such as Fiji Water, Martinelli’s Apple Juice, and Powerade were pulled from shelves, milk tea brands have remained notably absent from the recall list, reinforcing their position as a safer choice amid the controversy.
Among the most alarming findings: over 1.9 million bottles of Fiji Water were recalled due to bacterial contamination and excessive levels of manganese, a mineral that can be neurotoxic in high amounts. Meanwhile, Martinelli’s Apple Juice contained dangerous levels of arsenic, a known carcinogen. A pain relief tea, marketed as “Himalayan Pain Relief Tea,” was found to contain a prescription-grade anti-inflammatory drug — with no mention of it on the label.
Cola and lemonade flavoring bases from the Charles Boggini Company were also withdrawn from the market after containing artificial dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5, which are associated with benzidine, a chemical compound classified as a carcinogen. These dyes were not listed in the ingredients, raising major health concerns.
Additionally, sulfites — preservatives that can trigger severe allergic reactions — were found in several drinks without disclosure, including in Cola Flavoring Base.
Despite the alarming trend, popular milk tea products, including ready-to-drink and instant varieties, were not part of the FDA’s recall notice — offering reassurance to fans of the category. With many brands now investing in cleaner labels, third-party testing, and transparent ingredient sourcing, milk tea is emerging as a standout in a beverage market clouded by health alerts.
Dr. Darin Detwiler, a former FDA and USDA advisor, commented, “Many drinks hit the shelves before proper safety checks. Labeling transparency and ingredient declarations are where many of these products failed.” He stressed the need for regulatory reform to ensure food and beverage safety in the U.S.
Here’s a snapshot of the recalled beverages this year:
- Schweppes Zero Sugar Ginger Ale
- Mug Root Beer (PepsiCo)
- Martinelli’s Apple Juice
- Fiji Water (Natural Waters of Viti Limited)
- Charles Boggini’s Cola, Pink Lemonade, and Yellow Lemonade
- Tapee Tea (The Wiedemann Company)
- Rise Brewing Organic Oat Milks
- Powerade (multiple flavors)
- Trader Joe’s and Barsotti Organic Carrot Juices
- Yogi Echinacea Immune Support Tea
- Longreen and Xlim brand coffees
- Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3 Liquid
- Infant formulas including Enfamil Nutramigen and Crecelac
In contrast, milk tea brands have not faced similar scrutiny in 2024, a sign of rising quality standards in the segment. With consumers growing more health-conscious and ingredient-aware, milk tea companies that prioritize safety and transparency may continue to thrive amid the recall wave.
As the FDA faces increasing pressure to hold beverage companies accountable, milk tea appears to be maintaining its clean reputation — giving fans more reason to sip with confidence.
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