A recall has been issued for a lemonade brand sold across the nation due to containing chemicals linked to cancer.
Texas-based Oak Cliff Beverage Works (OCBW) announced a voluntary recall for more than 16,000 units of its Beverage Base Lemonade due to the undeclared presence of a food additive Yellow 5.
Yellow 5, also known as tartrazine, is a synthetic dye used in various food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. It is derived from petroleum and found to have carcinogens like benzidine.
The recall includes ‘Beverage Base Lemonade, 3 gallon,’ with a best-by sale date of December 12, 2025 and ‘Beverage Base Lemonade, 5 gallon’ dated January 12, 2026.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as a Class II risk level that involves a ‘health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from use of the product.’
The FDA deems Yellow 5 safe at standard levels, but the chemical has raised concerns about potential health risks, particularly hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and possible DNA damage.
OCBW said the contaminated cans were sold in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kentucky, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
A recall has been issued for a lemonade brand sold across the nation due to containing chemicals linked to cancer
The recall was issued on January 31 for a total of 8,847 cans of each product, according to the FDA’s website.
However, OCBW has not issued a formal announcement regarding the recall. DailyMail.com has contacted the company for comment.
While Yellow 5 is allowed in products, the FDA requires the chemical to be made known to consumers in the list of ingredients.
The chemical is a known allergen, triggering reactions like hives, eczema and asthma.
Studies have suggested that it may contribute to hyperactivity in some children, particularly those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It can be found in cereal, soda, gelatins, juices, vitamins, toothpaste, and other consumer goods. However, Yellow 5 is one of the many cancer-linked chemicals banned in Europe.
But many companies in the US continue to add food dye.
A similar recall in June 2024 included four soda products that did not declare the additive.
The drinks are produced by Charles Boggini Company and include their Pink Lemonade, Yellow Lemonade and Yellow Lemonade X, as well as a flavoring product called Cola Flavoring Base.
The pink and yellow lemonades were recalled because the company did not disclose that they contained food dyes Red 40 and Yellow 5 respectively.
Some studies have also linked Red 40 food dye, also called E129, to allergies, migraines, and mental disorders like ADHD in children.
California announced in August the first law in the US to ban six harmful dyes from food, which could go into effect in December 2027.
It outlaws foods containing the additives Red 40, Yellow. 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 6 and Green 3.
House Democrat Jesse Gabriel, who led California’s first-in-nation ban on other food additives earlier this year, said: ‘California has a responsibility to protect our students from chemicals that harm children and that can interfere with their ability to learn.
‘As a lawmaker, a parent and someone who struggled with ADHD, I find it unacceptable that we allow schools to serve foods with additives that are linked to neurobehavioral harms.
‘This bill will empower schools to better protect the health and well-being of our kids and encourage manufacturers to stop using these harmful additives.’
The bill — AB2316 — has also been co-sponsored by watchdogs Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Consumer Reports.
Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, said: ‘Dangerous dyes that put kids at higher risk for hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral issues that get in the way of learning should not be allowed in food sold in schools.
‘Banning these harmful dyes from school foods will protect the health and well-being of kids in California.’
