FDA: Over 2.1 Million Pounds of Sugar Recalled for Possible Wheat Contamination — Check Batch Numbers

Check your pantry: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated an enforcement report on September 21 announcing a large, ongoing voluntary recall of more than 2.1 million pounds of light brown and powdered sugar by United Sugar Producers & Refiners of Minneapolis, MN. The recall was initiated August 19 and upgraded to a Class II recall on September 21 because some lots may contain wheat kernels, posing a risk to people with wheat allergies.

The recalled products were distributed across eight states: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The action covers both consumer and commercial sizes and includes products sold under the United brand, Crystal Sugar, and Target’s Good & Gather label. Target has told news outlets that the affected lots never reached its distribution centers, stores, or customers, though the lots remain listed in the enforcement report.

Recalled Items (Selected Details)

• United — Net weight: 50 lbs (22.68 kg); Item #: 810051; Distributed by United Sugar Producers & Refiners, Minneapolis, MN 55439; Batch numbers: MHD26223, MHD26224, MHD26225, MHD26226, MHD26227, MHD26228, MHD26229.
• Good & Gather (2 lb) — Net weight: 2 lbs (32 oz.; 907 g); Item #: 817773; UPC: 0 85239-08454 0; Distributed by Target Corp., Minneapolis, MN 55403; Batch numbers: MHD26223, MHD26224, MHD26225, MHD26226, MHD26227, MHD26228, MHD26229.
• United 6X — Net weight: 50 lbs (22.68 kg); Item #: 810087; UPC: 7 85921-07090 4; Distributed by United Sugar Producers & Refiners, Minneapolis, MN 55439; Batch numbers: MHD26223, MHD26224, MHD26225, MHD26226, MHD26227, MHD26229.
• Crystal Sugar — Net weight: 25 lbs (11.3 kg); Item #: 810097; UPC: 0 70090-08090 9; Distributed by Crystal Sugars Corporation, Moorhead, MN; Batch number: MHD26230.
• Good & Gather (additional 2 lb size) — Net weight: 2 lbs (32 oz.; 907 g); Item #: 817774; UPC: 0 85239-08455 7; Distributed by Target Corp., Minneapolis, MN 55403; Batch numbers: MHD26223, MHD26224, MHD26225, MHD26226, MHD26227, MHD26228, MHD26229.

Health Risks and What To Do

If you have a wheat allergy, do not consume any sugar that matches the recalled lot numbers above. Possible allergic reactions include:

• Swelling, itching, or irritation of the mouth or throat
• Hives, itchy rash, or swelling of the skin
• Nasal congestion, headache, or difficulty breathing
• Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Wheat allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Swelling or tightness of the throat
• Chest pain or severe difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pale or bluish skin, dizziness, or fainting

If you experience signs of anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately and use an EpiPen if one has been prescribed to you and you have been instructed to use it. For non-emergency allergic symptoms, contact your health care provider for guidance.

Return, Disposal, and Reporting

The FDA’s enforcement report does not list any confirmed illnesses associated with these lots. If you possess any of the affected products, do not eat them. Contact the store where you purchased the sugar to ask about return or refund policies; if you cannot return the product, dispose of it securely. If you have consumed the sugar and have health concerns—especially if you have a wheat allergy—consult your health care provider.

Tip: Check the package item number, UPC, net weight, and batch/lot number against the list above before discarding or returning any product.