Major Drink Recall Issued for 25 States Over ‘Serious' Health Risk
A widespread recall of specialty drink products has been issued across the U.S., affecting consumers and businesses in 25 states after officials warned of a potentially "serious" health risk tied to contamination.
The recall, announced by SKS Copack and published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 23, 2026, involves a range of powdered beverage mixes that may be contaminated with Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause severe illness in some individuals.
What Drinks Are Being Recalled
The recall covers a variety of specialty drink powders, which are commonly used in cafés and bubble tea shops.
The affected products were sold under several popular brands, including:
- Angel Specialty Products
- Royal Gold
- Boba Time
- Fanale
- Denda
The potentially contaminated items include flavored powders and mixes such as:
- Matcha green tea
- Caramel latte
- Milk tea
- Cappuccino mixes (like mocha and vanilla)
Because these products are typically used as ingredients rather than finished drinks, consumers may have encountered them in drinks that have been prepared at cafés or restaurants.
Why The Recall Was Issued
The recall stems from concerns that the products could be contaminated with Salmonella, a harmful bacteria linked to foodborne illness.
According to the FDA, the issue traces back to a potentially contaminated ingredient-non-fat dry milk powder-supplied to SKS Copack, which prompted the company to pull the affected products, as a precaution.
At the time of the announcement, no illnesses had been reported, but officials warned that the risk is still significant.
What Is Salmonella-And Why Is It Serious?
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that causes salmonellosis, one of the most common types of food poisoning.
Symptoms typically include:
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
While most healthy people recover within a few days, the infection can become dangerous in certain groups, especially:
- Young children
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
In more severe cases, the bacteria can spread beyond the intestines into the bloodstream or other parts of the body, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
Where The Products Were Sold
The recalled beverage products were distributed widely through cafés, restaurants, and direct delivery across the following 25 states:
- California
- Utah
- Idaho
- New York
- New Jersey
- Arizona
- Pennsylvania
- North Carolina
- Texas
- Ohio
- Louisiana
- Georgia
- Florida
- Illinois
- Oklahoma
- Massachusetts
- Washington
- Oregon
- Wisconsin
- Nevada
- Virginia
- Connecticut
- Tennessee
- Kentucky
- Minnesota
How To Identify Affected Products
Consumers and business owners can identify recalled items by checking the lot codes printed on the packaging, typically stamped on the back of the bag or container.
Lot codes are unique identifiers used to track specific batches of products, allowing manufacturers to pinpoint potentially contaminated items. If a product's code matches one listed in the recall notice, it should be treated as unsafe.
The FDA has published the company's recall notice, which includes a detailed list of affected drink products along with their lot codes and best-by dates so consumers can check their items.
What Consumers Should Do
Anyone who has purchased or may have been exposed to these products should take the following steps:
- Do not consume the product
- Check packaging for matching lot codes
- Bin the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund
- Keep an eye out for symptoms like fever, diarrhea, and stomach pain, which can signal a Salmonella infection
Even if symptoms don't appear straight away, health officials advise caution, as signs of Salmonella infection can appear anywhere from a few hours to several days after exposure.
Although no illnesses have been confirmed so far, the scope of this recall-and the potential severity of Salmonella infections-makes it a serious public health concern.
With distribution spanning 25 states and products commonly used in drinks that many people consume daily, consumers are urged to stay vigilant and act quickly if they may have been affected.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 11:14 PM.