SoBe Recalls Green Tea, Energy Drinks Containing OTC Drug

NORWALK, Conn.--South Beach Beverage Co. (SoBe), a division of PepsiCo, voluntarily recalled as many as 5,700 cases of SoBe Green Tea and 1,500 cases of SoBe Energy in 20-ounce glass bottles due to the "accidental presence" of dextromethorphyan, a drug usually found in over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medications. The chemical imparts a slight to intense bitter taste and may alter the color of affected beverages. Consumed in large quantities, the substance may cause light-headedness, nausea or other reversible symptoms. When consumed in combination with other medications, especially antidepressants, the drinks could lead to more serious health risks.

The affected cases had been distributed primarily to convenience stores and other retail outlets in 11 states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. Affected green teas carried a production code of SEP2203 XXXXFG09162A3; affected energy beverages carried the code SEP2203 XXXXFG09172B3.

A few customers have reported nausea, vomiting, numbness and light-headedness for a short time after consuming these beverages, but no other serious complaints have been logged.

The recall can be found at www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/sobe12_02.html.