Lemonade recalled in the US for containing harmful food additive

Oak Cliff Beverage Works (OCBW) announced the recall of more than 16,000 units of its Beverage Base Lemonade due to the presence of food additive Yellow 5. Also known as tartrazine, Yellow 5 is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum and used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. It has recently raised concerns about potential health risks because it contains several carcinogens like benzidine. OCBW’s recall was issued on January 31 and includes “Beverage Base Lemonade, 3 gallon”, with a best-by sale date of December 12, 2025, and “Beverage Based Lemonade, 5 gallon” dated 12 January 2026. Over 8000 cans of each product will be withdrawn from shelves in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kentucky, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as a Class II risk level (“health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from use of the product”). Officially the agency allows the use of Yellow 5 in products but requires companies to declare its presence in the list of ingredients. OCWV did not comply with this requirement. A similar recall happened in 2024 involving four soda brands not declaring the additive in their product description.
Aside from cancer, several studies have suggested that Yellow 5 may contribute to hyperactivity in children and trigger allergenic reactions like asthma and eczema. Last August, California announced a law banning six harmful dyes from food that could go into effect in 2027. The banned dyes are Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 6, Green 3, and Red 40. This last one, also called E129, has been linked to allergies, migraines, and mental disorders in children.