The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week assigned a Class II risk classification to a recent recall involving nearly 1.7 million pounds of sugary products that may contain undeclared wheat contamination.
Wheat is one of the FDA’s top nine food allergens, and exposure could pose health risks for people with wheat allergies.
Consumers and commercial buyers in eight states are encouraged to check for affected products, while retailers and distributors continue to remove recalled inventory from circulation.
Although the recall involves certain sweet Good & Gather brand products, Target said News week that no affected inventory has reached its distribution centers, stores or customers. As a result, the company said Good & Gather sugar purchased at Target was not affected and customers did not need to take any action.
News week has contacted the FDA and United Sugar Producers and Refiners for comment.
FDA Class II recall explained
According to FDA definitions, a Class II recall involves products that could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects if consumed or otherwise used.
The agency says the likelihood of serious or long-term consequences is considered low.
The distinction places the sugar recall below the agency’s most serious Class I category, reserved for products likely to cause serious injury or death.
The recall covers approximately 1.27 million pounds of light brown sugar and approximately 426,500 pounds of powdered sugar. The products were distributed in consumer-sized packages and larger commercial bags supplied to businesses and food service establishments.
Why sugar was recalled
United Sugar Producers and Refiners, based in Minneapolis, initiated the voluntary recall on Aug. 19 after discovering possible wheat grain contamination in some sweet products.
The concern is that consumers who purchase plain brown sugar or powdered sugar would not reasonably expect the presence of wheat. As a result, people with wheat allergies may not take the precautions they would if the ingredient was disclosed on packaging.
According to FDA guidelines, allergic reactions can range from relatively mild symptoms, such as itching, hives, or swelling, to more serious complications. In some cases, exposure to an allergen can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Recalled sugar brands and product details
The recall covers multiple brands and package sizes and affects both retail and wholesale products. Among the recalled items are:
- Plain Light Brown Sugar
- Good and harvest light brown sugar
- United Powdered Sugar 6X
- Granulated sugar Powdered sugar
- Good and collect some powdered sugar
The affected products have lot numbers ranging from MHD26223 to MHD26229, although some powdered sugar products have different lot-specific identifiers.
The recalled inventory includes two-pound convenience bags sold in stores as well as commercial packages weighing 25 pounds and 50 pounds.
Good & Gather products are associated with Target’s private label grocery brand, but the recall is not limited to Target stores.
The FDA said the affected products were distributed through multiple channels, including commercial customers and other retailers.
Consumers are advised to check the exact brand, package size and batch code before assuming a product is affected. The recall does not apply to all sugars sold under the brands mentioned.
States affected by the recall
The recalled sweet products were distributed in eight states:
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
The FDA enforcement report does not specify where each specific product was sold in these states.
Bakeries, food manufacturers, restaurants and other businesses that use bulk sugar may also need to review inventory and supplier records to determine whether affected products have been received.
What consumers should do next
Consumers who have purchased brown sugar or powdered sugar in recent months should compare the product brand, package information and lot number with the recall list. People with wheat allergies should be especially vigilant given the potential for exposure to an undeclared allergen.
The FDA says consumers should return recalled products to the place of purchase for a refund. If it is not practical to return a product, consumers can safely dispose of it rather than using it for cooking or baking.
The agency also advises against giving recalled products to third parties. Even if a product appears normal, potential allergen contamination means it may not be safe for people with wheat sensitivities.
No broader recall of any United, Crystal Sugar or Good & Gather sweet products has been announced. Action remains limited to specific lots identified by the manufacturer and listed in the FDA enforcement report.
Consumers with affected products should return them to the place of purchase for a refund or discard them and can contact United Sugar Producers and Refiners at 1-800-984-3585 for further assistance.
Newsweek Reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here.
Contact Newsweek editors for this story: Steve Mollman and Anthony Murray.
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