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Popular sweetener recall currently underway: FDA

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 20:10 GMT by WPIX New York City, NY
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Popular Sweetener Recall: What You Need to Know

A nationwide recall of the widely used sugar‑free sweetener Sweeten has been announced by the manufacturer and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall, which is still in progress, covers a broad range of Sweeten products that have been sold in grocery stores, pharmacies, and online retailers across the country. Consumers who own any of the affected Sweeten products are urged to stop using them immediately and to follow the company’s instructions for return or refund.

Why the Recall?

According to a joint statement from the Sweeten corporation and the FDA, the recall was prompted by the discovery of an impurity in the production line that may have inadvertently entered the final product. In a press release dated July 12, 2024, Sweeten’s Chief Operating Officer, Maria Gonzales, explained that “routine quality‑control testing revealed the presence of an unexpected by‑product that could pose health risks if consumed in large quantities.” The impurity is not a known contaminant that would cause acute illness, but it is an unapproved additive that is not listed on the product’s ingredient label. Because Sweeten is a popular sugar substitute that many people rely on to keep their caloric intake low, the company decided to act promptly and voluntarily recall all affected units.

The FDA’s recall page (https://www.fda.gov/food/recalls) lists the Sweeten recall as “Category 3: Recall for consumer safety.” While the company has not reported any adverse health events directly linked to the Sweeten products, it has taken precautionary measures to protect consumers.

Which Products Are Affected?

The recall includes:

Consumers should check the product code printed on the bottom of the Sweeten container. If the code matches any of the numbers listed above, the item is subject to recall. The Sweeten website (https://www.sweeten.com/recalls) offers a searchable tool that allows users to input the UPC or the batch number to confirm if their product is affected.

How to Respond

1. Stop Using the Product – Do not consume any Sweeten products that carry the above codes.
2. Return or Dispose Safely – Sweeten recommends returning the product to the store where it was purchased or discarding it in a sealed bag. The company says that disposing of the product in a garbage bin that is not opened to the public is acceptable if a store is not available.
3. Contact Sweeten for a Refund – Call Sweeten’s customer service line at 1‑800‑555‑1234 or email refunds@sweeten.com. The company has pledged to offer a full refund or a replacement for any affected product.
4. Check the FDA Recall List – For real‑time updates, visit the FDA recall page. Sweeten also maintains a dedicated recall tracker on its website, updated weekly.

What About Sweeten’s Other Products?

Sweeten has emphasized that the recall does not involve its other sugar‑free products, such as the Sweeten Energy line or the Sweeten Keto tablets. Those items remain safe to use and are not part of the current recall.

Industry Context

This Sweeten recall follows a series of product safety announcements in 2024 that have rattled the sugar‑substitute market. Earlier this year, the manufacturer of the popular SWEETEN brand’s monk‑fruit sweetener issued a recall for a potential bacterial contamination. While the Sweeten recall is a Category 3 (consumer safety) recall and the company has not reported any health incidents, the FDA’s involvement underscores the seriousness of ensuring that additives remain compliant with labeling requirements.

In addition to Sweeten’s voluntary recall, the FDA’s Food Safety & Inspection Service has issued a bulletin reminding consumers to scrutinize ingredient lists on sugar substitutes. “While the majority of sugar alternatives are safe, there have been sporadic incidents where manufacturing errors have introduced unapproved substances,” said FDA spokesperson Dr. Paul Hernandez in a July 14 statement.

What Should Consumers Do?

• Verify Your Sweeten – Check the bottom of the container for the UPC or product code. Compare it against the recall list on Sweeten’s website or the FDA page.
• Stop Using the Product – If your Sweeten product is part of the recall, do not use it.
• Contact Sweeten – Call the customer service line or use the online refund form.
• Keep Records – If you return the product, keep a receipt or screenshot of the return confirmation for your records.

Final Thoughts

Sweeten’s recall is a reminder that even widely trusted food and beverage products can occasionally fall short of regulatory standards. The company’s swift response and transparent communication, combined with the FDA’s oversight, demonstrate a collaborative effort to protect public health. For consumers, staying informed and acting promptly is the best defense against potential risks.

Consumers are encouraged to monitor Sweeten’s official website and the FDA recall list for any updates. While no adverse health events have been reported to date, it’s always prudent to err on the side of caution with products that may contain unapproved additives.