Which Lipton Tea Bottles Were Recalled?
You can identify the recalled products by checking for these specific details:[4]
- Product Description: Lipton Green Tea Citrus (16.9 fl oz) incorrectly labeled as Lipton Diet Green Tea Mixed Berry
- Outer Package: Lipton Green Tea Citrus (12-pack)
- Expiration Date: December 1, 2025
- Product Code: HHMM DW 08035
- Total Cases Affected: 2,854 cases
The FDA reports that each case includes two 12-packs, bringing the total number of recalled bottles to 68,496 units nationwide.[5]
Which States Are Affected?
The contaminated products were distributed across ten states in the central and western United States:[6]
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Kansas
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Wyoming
Why Was the Tea Recalled?
The recall stems from a critical packaging error where Lipton Green Tea Citrus bottles—containing 25 grams of sugar each—were mistakenly labeled as Diet Green Tea Mixed Berry, which should be completely sugar-free.[7]
This labeling mistake presents serious health concerns, particularly for individuals managing diabetes who rely on accurate nutritional information to monitor their blood sugar levels. Consuming unexpected sugar could trigger hyperglycemia (dangerously high blood sugar) or disrupt diabetes management plans, potentially leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when medications are adjusted based on incorrect assumptions.[8][9]
PepsiCo voluntarily initiated the recall on September 17. The FDA subsequently elevated the recall to Class II status on October 2—the second-highest risk classification—indicating that consumption “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”[10][11]
The recall remains active as of this publication.[11]
What You Should Do
While the FDA has not issued specific consumer instructions for this recall, health experts strongly recommend that anyone who has purchased the affected products should immediately stop consuming them.[12]
The safest course of action is to either dispose of the recalled tea or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. This precaution is especially critical for individuals with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or anyone monitoring their sugar intake for health reasons.
If you have consumed the mislabeled product and experience any unusual symptoms, particularly if you have diabetes, consult with your healthcare provider immediately.
