If you’ve been baking with light brown or powdered sugar lately, you might want to check the bag in your pantry. A recall affecting nearly 1.7 million pounds of sugar has been issued across Texas and seven other states. The reason? Undeclared wheat that could pose a serious health risk to people with celiac disease or severe wheat allergies.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified this as a Class II recall, meaning that exposure to the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health issues, though the likelihood of serious harm is low for the general public. Still, for those with wheat sensitivities, even trace amounts can trigger reactions.
Which brands and packages are affected?
The voluntary recall was initiated by United Sugar Producers and Refiners. It covers light brown and powdered sugar sold under the United, Good and Gather, and Crystal Sugar labels. The affected products come in 2-pound, 25-pound, and 50-pound bags with specific lot codes: MHD26223, MHD26224, MHD26225, and MHD26228.
If you have any of these bags at home, check the lot stamp carefully. The recall is a precautionary measure to keep families safe, especially those managing dietary restrictions. As one food safety expert put it, “When it comes to allergens, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Where were the recalled products shipped?
The recalled sugar was distributed to grocery stores and commercial clients in Texas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In Texas, local health departments are working closely with retail chains to remove the affected bags from shelves immediately. This coordinated effort aims to prevent accidental purchases by consumers who rely on allergen-free products.
For many Latino families, sugar is a staple in daily cooking and baking—from arroz con leche to tres leches cake. If you’ve recently stocked up on baking supplies, it’s worth taking a few minutes to verify your sugar’s lot code.
What should consumers do?
If you purchased a recalled package, you can return it to the store where you bought it for a full refund. Alternatively, you can follow proper disposal guidelines provided by food safety authorities. The FDA advises against consuming the affected products, especially for those with wheat allergies or celiac disease.
This recall is a reminder of how important clear labeling is, particularly for communities where food traditions run deep. As we’ve seen with other recent food safety alerts, like the massive meat recall over missing inspections, vigilance in the kitchen is key.
For those who want to stay informed about food safety and other issues affecting Latino communities, check out our coverage on cost of living concerns among Latino voters and Texas’s pause on data center permits. And if you’re looking for comforting recipes that use sugar, our piece on ancestral bone broth might inspire your next meal.
Stay safe, check your pantry, and remember: a little extra time verifying labels can go a long way in protecting your family’s health.
