Your Kool-Aid Mix May Contain Something You Shouldn't Swallow

On November 12, Kraft Heinz delivered, via Costco, a written communication to Costco members who purchased, or whose "add-on members" purchased, 82.5-ounce containers of its Kool-Aid brand Tropical Punch Mix. "Kraft Heinz and the FDA have announced a recall," the communication stated, in connection with certain of such units of this Kool-Aid mix — specifically, those whose packaging bears a "Best When Used By" date of either "2023-08-31" (i.e, August 3, 2023) or "2023-09-01" (i.e., September 1, 2023). The communication further instructed anyone who has the identified units of Kool-Aid mix to not consume or otherwise use them, and instead, to return them to Costco for a full refund. "At least one other grocery store chain, Stater Bros, in Southern California, is recalling the Kool-Aid Tropical Punch, which was sold in 8-quart containers," according to Food Safety News. 

Since then, it appears Kraft Heinz broadened the recall's scope to include select "on-the-go sticks," as well as 19-ounce containers and 82-ounce containers of Country Time Lemonade and Kool-Aid Tropical Punch with "Best When Used By" dates between June 13, 2023, and October 3, 2023 (via Today). The reason for the recall? Kraft Heinz has concerns that various lots of Country Time and Kool-Aid powdered drink mix may contain some stuff you really shouldn't swallow. 

Kraft Heinz is concerned that "small pieces of metal and glass" were "introduced" into some of its Country Time Lemonade and Kool-Aid Tropical Punch powdered drink mixes at some point during the production process, according to a spokesman for the company (via Today). Because these drink mixes have a long shelf life, they may be sitting around in your kitchen without you even remembering that you bought them, according to Food Safety News. Accordingly, if you think you even MAY have purchased one of these products, the company is encouraging you to check the places where you may store such items to determine if you have any that may be subject to this recall. If you do, Kraft Heinz advises against consuming it and to "either return it to the store where it was purchased, or discard it" in exchange for reimbursement (via Today). 

All of that being said, take heart in the knowledge that no related injuries or illnesses have been reported thus far. Moreover, the company spokesperson further told Today that "due to the small particle size, third party medical experts believe accidentally ingesting the affected product is unlikely to result in injury or illness." If you think you might require assistance in determining whether any such product in your possession may be subject to this recall, you are encouraged to contact Kraft Heinz Consumer Relations at 1-855-713-9237 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST for assistance in determining whether a product is part of the recall.