A nationwide recall of a variety of specialty beverage products has been issued after federal health officials warned they could be contaminated with salmonella, a bacteria capable of causing serious illness.
The recall, announced by SKS Copack and published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 23, affects powdered drink mixes distributed to cafés, restaurants, and consumers across the United States.
While no illnesses had been reported at the time of the announcement, the scope of the recall—and the potential severity of Salmonella infections—has raised concern among public health officials.
What Products Are Being Recalled?
The recall covers various specialty beverage powders and mixes sold under several brand names, including:
- Angel Specialty Products
- Royal Gold
- Boba Time
- Fanale
- Denda
Affected products include popular drink bases such as:
- Matcha green tea
- Taro powder
- Milk tea mixes
- Cappuccino and latte powders
- Smoothie and dessert drink bases
Officials said the products may contain salmonella due to contaminated nonfat dry milk powder supplied to the manufacturer.
The recalled beverages were distributed across 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
Products can be identified by lot codes printed on the packaging, and officials stress that only items matching those codes are affected.
What Is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that causes an infection known as salmonellosis, one of the most common forms of food poisoning in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The CDC estimates salmonella causes around:
- 1.35 million infections
- 26,500 hospitalizations
- Around 420 deaths
People typically become infected by consuming contaminated food or beverages, particularly raw or undercooked animal products, unpasteurized dairy, or food that hasn’t been handled properly.
Symptoms of Salmonella
Symptoms of salmonella infection typically appear between 12 and 72 hours after exposure and may include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
Most healthy individuals recover within a few days to a week without treatment. However, in some cases—particularly when dehydration occurs, or the infection spreads—illness can become severe and even life-threatening.
Who Is Most Vulnerable?
Certain groups are at significantly higher risk of serious complications:
- Children under 5 years old
- Adults over 65
- People with weakened immune systems
- Those with underlying health conditions
In these populations, salmonella infections are more likely to lead to hospitalization.
What Customers Should Do
Consumers and businesses are urged to take immediate precautions if they may have purchased or used any of the recalled products.
If you have the product:
- Check the lot code on the packaging
- Do not consume any matching items
- Dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund
If you think you might have consumed the product:
- Monitor for symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, or stomach pain
- Stay hydrated and rest
- Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, persistent, or involve high-risk individuals
Health officials stress that even if a product looks or smells normal, it can still be contaminated.
Read the full article here
