Wawa has issued a recall for four of its beverages due to a potential health risk for customers with a milk allergy. The popular convenience store has taken this step after identifying an issue that could lead to the presence of milk in certain products, even though it is not listed on the label.
The affected drinks include 16-ounce pints of Wawa-branded Lemon Iced Tea, Diet Lemon Iced Tea, Diet Lemonade, and Fruit Punch. These beverages may contain an undeclared milk allergen, which could pose a serious or life-threatening risk to individuals with milk sensitivities or allergies.
The recall was initiated by Wawa following the identification and correction of a temporary equipment issue that may have led to the contamination. The affected products were sold at Wawa stores across five states: Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia. All impacted beverages have been removed from shelves.
Consumers can identify the affected drinks by their 16-ounce pint bottles. Specific details include:
- Wawa Iced Tea Lemon: UPC code 726191018425 with a code date of May 15, 2026.
- Wawa Iced Tea Diet Lemon: UPC code 726191018548 with a code date of May 18, 2026.
- Wawa Diet Lemonade: UPC code 726191055901 with a code date of May 18, 2026.
- Wawa Fruit Punch: UPC code 726191018432 with a code date of May 19, 2026.
The distribution of these products varied by item. For example, the Iced Tea Lemon was available at 123 stores in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The Iced Tea Diet Lemon was sold at eight stores in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, while the Diet Lemonade was available at 12 stores in Delaware and New Jersey. The Fruit Punch was sold at 53 stores across the same five states.
Although no illnesses have been reported so far, consumers are advised to discard the affected products immediately or contact Wawa for a full refund.
Milk is one of the nine major food allergens recognized in the U.S., alongside eggs, wheat, soybeans, tree nuts, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, and sesame. Allergic reactions to these foods can range from mild symptoms like hives and lip swelling to severe, life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis, which can involve respiratory problems and shock.
This Wawa recall is part of a broader trend of food safety issues affecting consumers. Last week, Publix recalled certain 12 packs of garlic knot rolls that did not list egg in the allergen statement, posing a risk to those with egg allergies. The affected packs can be identified by the GTIN 29682800000.
In addition, Schreiber Foods, Inc., based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, recalled 144 cups of its Honey Almond Cream Cheese Spread for Einstein Bros. Bagels last month. The six-ounce spreads were incorrectly labeled as “Plain,” meaning they could cause severe allergic reactions in individuals with almond allergies. Affected products, identifiable by the Best If Used By date of July 21, 2026, were distributed to Einstein Bros. Bagel locations in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
These recalls highlight the importance of vigilance when it comes to food safety and allergen labeling. Consumers must remain informed about the products they purchase, especially if they have known allergies or sensitivities. Companies also have a responsibility to ensure transparency and accuracy in their product information to protect public health.
