Nearly 1.7 Million Pounds of Sugar Recalled Over Possible Wheat Contamination
A major sugar recall in the United States is affecting nearly 1.7 million pounds of brown sugar and powdered sugar sold under several well-known brands. The products were recalled because they may contain wheat kernels, creating a potential health risk for people with a wheat allergy.
The recall was listed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Sept. 21, 2026. The affected sugar products were distributed across eight states and include items sold under the Good & Gather, United, and Crystal Sugar brands.
Consumers who regularly purchase brown sugar or powdered sugar should check their pantry for the affected products and compare the package information with the official FDA recall details.
Nearly 1.7 Million Pounds of Sugar Affected
According to the FDA recall notice, approximately 1.27 million pounds of light brown sugar and 426,500 pounds of powdered sugar are involved.
The FDA records these quantities as 12,678 hundredweights of brown sugar and 4,265 hundredweights of powdered sugar. A hundredweight is equal to 100 pounds.
The reason for the recall is the possible presence of wheat kernels in the sugar products. While wheat is not an ingredient consumers generally expect to find in sugar, accidental contamination can present a significant concern for people with wheat allergies.
The recalled products come in several package sizes, ranging from consumer-sized bags to much larger commercial packages.
Which Sugar Products Are Recalled?
The recalled products include several brands and package sizes.
For consumers shopping for household quantities, the recall includes 2-pound bags of Good & Gather light brown sugar. The affected brown sugar has UPC 0 85239-08454 0.
The recall also includes 2-pound bags of Good & Gather powdered sugar, which carry UPC 0 85239-08455 7.
Larger commercial products are also included in the recall. These include:
- 50-pound bags of United light brown sugar
- 50-pound bags of United 6X powdered sugar
- 25-pound bags of Crystal Sugar powdered sugar
Because different products have different identifying information, consumers should check the brand, package size, UPC and batch code before deciding whether a product is affected.
Where Were the Recalled Products Distributed?
The recalled sugar products were distributed across eight U.S. states.
The states identified in the FDA recall notice are:
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
Consumers in these states who purchased the affected sugar products should review their packages carefully.
The products may have been sold through different retail or food distribution channels, making it important for shoppers and businesses to rely on the official product identification information rather than simply assuming that every package from a particular brand is recalled.
How to Check the Batch Codes
One of the most important steps for consumers is checking the batch code printed on the packaging.
For the recalled light brown sugar, the FDA lists batch codes ranging from MHD26223 through MHD26229.
For powdered sugar, the applicable codes vary according to the brand.
The Crystal Sugar powdered sugar recall lists MHD26230.
Good & Gather powdered sugar products have codes ranging from MHD26223 through MHD26229.
The recalled 50-pound bags of United 6X powdered sugar include batch codes MHD26223 through MHD26227, as well as MHD26229.
Consumers should compare these codes with the official FDA recall listing before consuming the product.
Why Is Wheat Contamination a Concern?
Wheat is one of the major food allergens recognized by the FDA. For people with a wheat allergy, exposure can result in an allergic reaction that ranges from mild symptoms to a potentially serious medical emergency.
According to the FDA, possible food allergy symptoms include hives, swelling, vomiting and difficulty breathing.
The severity of an allergic reaction can vary from person to person. Anyone with a known wheat allergy should therefore take the recall seriously and avoid consuming a product that matches the affected brand, package and batch information.
People who experience concerning symptoms after consuming a potentially contaminated product should seek appropriate medical attention.
What Should Consumers Do With Recalled Sugar?
Consumers who discover one of the recalled products in their home should not consume it.
The FDA says recalled products may often be returned to the store where they were purchased for a refund. If returning the product is not possible, consumers can dispose of it appropriately.
If the sugar may be contaminated, it should be securely wrapped before being placed in the trash.
The FDA also advises consumers not to give recalled food to another person, a food bank or a pet. Passing the product to someone else could expose another person or animal to the potential contaminant.
If you are unsure whether a package is included in the recall, checking the official FDA notice is the safest way to determine whether the product matches the affected information.
Wheat Allergy Statistics in the United States
Wheat allergies affect a significant number of people in the United States.
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) estimates that approximately 2.4 million children and adults in the United States have a wheat allergy.
FARE also reports that food allergies result in an estimated 3.4 million emergency room visits in the United States each year.
These figures highlight why food recalls involving potential allergens are important, even when the potentially contaminated product is something that would not normally be expected to contain the allergen.
For consumers with food allergies, checking recall announcements and reading product labels can be an important part of managing exposure risks.
What Consumers Should Know About This Sugar Recall
The recall does not mean that every package of Good & Gather, United or Crystal Sugar products is affected. The FDA notice identifies specific products, package sizes and batch codes.
Consumers should therefore avoid relying solely on the brand name when determining whether their sugar is part of the recall.
Instead, check:
- Brand name
- Product type
- Package size
- UPC
- Batch or lot code
- Distribution location
If all applicable information matches the FDA recall listing, do not consume the product.
Businesses and food-service operators that purchased large commercial bags should also inspect their inventory, particularly if their products came through distribution channels serving the eight affected states.
Where to Find the Official Recall Information
Consumers can review the official recall information through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recall database. The FDA listing provides the product details, affected codes and distribution information needed to identify the recalled sugar.
For additional information about wheat allergies, consumers can also consult the FDA's food allergy guidance and resources from Food Allergy Research & Education.
Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes and is not medical or legal advice. Product recalls and safety information can change, so consumers should verify the latest information directly with the FDA or the relevant manufacturer before consuming a potentially affected product. People with known food allergies should follow advice from their healthcare professionals and seek medical attention for serious or concerning symptoms.