A Connecticut-based beverage company, Charles Boggini Company, has voluntarily recalled four of its products due to the presence of potentially harmful preservatives and food dyes. The company, which specializes in flavored soda for restaurants, is headquartered in Coventry, Connecticut. The recalled products include “Pink Lemonade,” “Cola Flavoring Base,” “Yellow Lemonade,” and “Yellow Lemonade X,” all of which are distributed in one- and five-gallon containers.
The recall was initiated after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered that the “Pink Lemonade” contained FD&C Red No. 40, a red dye commonly used in various products such as cosmetics, drugs, and food. Some studies have associated this dye with an increased risk of colorectal cancer and other health issues, including allergies, migraines, and mental health defects.
The FDA’s enforcement report, which announced the recall, was covered by Newsweek and DailyMail.com. The FDA mandates that manufacturers disclose when dye is used as an ingredient in their products.
The “Yellow Lemonade” and “Yellow Lemonade X” were found to contain FD&C Yellow No. 5, an artificial food dye frequently found in processed pastries, breakfast cereals, and colored candy. This dye, also known as tartrazine or E102, is thought to trigger allergic reactions in asthmatics and those with low tolerance to aspirin.
The “Cola Flavoring Base” product was found to contain sulfites, salts often used as preservatives in food products. High quantities of sulfites have been linked to skin reactions, digestive problems, and respiratory issues.
Despite the recall, a spokesperson for Charles Boggini Company denied its existence, stating that the company had sent new labels to clients to attach to the products already on their shelves.
In recent years, several companies, including McDonald’s and cereal manufacturer Kellogg, have stopped using food-coloring dyes. Last year, the FDA announced it was considering a ban on brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in food, as it was no longer deemed safe. BVO, a citrus-boosting additive, was previously used in beverages including Gatorade, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and other products, and is still present in drinks like Sun Drop and numerous off-brand sodas.