Capri Sun is committed to bringing you and your families the flavor you enjoy, while
minimizing the impact of rising commodity costs. To continue delivering the beverage you love,
Capri Sun is changing ingredients in
Capri Sun and
Capri Sun Sunrise
from sugar to high fructose corn syrup.
According to leading nutritionists,
American Dietetic Association,
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the International Food Information Council,
high fructose corn syrup is nutritionally equivalent to table sugar.
With 25% less sugar than leading regular juice drinks,
Capri Sun
is still a wholesome beverage option that you and your family can feel good about.
I’ve recently read about mold being found in Capri Sun. Is this true?
Unfortunately, yes. While this is not a common occurrence, it does happen from time to time because the product is preservative free. That's why we recommend discarding leaking or damaged packages and have included a statement on our cartons for consumers.
back to topWhat kind of mold is it?
Without the opportunity to obtain the sample, we're unable to
confirm the exact type of mold that was found. However in the past, when we've had the
chance to have an independent lab analyze a sample, it was confirmed to be mold. They confirmed
that the mold was similar to hundreds of other food-related molds and is relatively common.
Mold that forms on food and beverages is usually a common mold. It's generally much like common
bread mold, though it may look different depending on where it forms. And yes, it can be ugly,
gross and totally unappealing.
It would be great if foods stayed fresh forever. But the basic laws of science and nature
dictate that most foods eventually spoil and get moldy.
back to topHow does Kraft Foods know the mold is not harmful?
While unpleasant, it is more of a quality rather than a safety issue.
However, we take consumer concerns very seriously. When we had the opportunity to look at a
sample in the past, we have sent it to a leading, accredited lab for testing. They independently
confirmed it was mold. Because this product contains no preservatives, the beverage can spoil
and mold can grow. That's why discarding leaking or damaged packages is the right step. In
fact, we include a message on the carton encouraging people to do this.
back to topSo, this is a common occurrence?
No, but among the many, many millions of pouches we sell each year, it does
happen from time to time because the product is preservative free. And that's exactly why we include
a message on the carton that consumers should discard any leaking or damaged packages.
back to topOther people have posted photos of mold in Capri Sun. What gives?
The reality is, mold spores are literally everywhere. That's why most foods,
especially those without preservatives, eventually spoil and get moldy. Our quality controls are
designed to minimize this exposure.
Since there are no preservatives in our drinks, mold can grow, especially in a leaking pouch. That's why
we placed a statement on the carton recommending leaky pouches be discarded. Among the many, many millions
of pouches we sell each year, It doesn't happen very often. But if it does, we want to hear about it.
back to topDoes the mold form more often in warm weather?
The weather or humidity has little or no effect on
whether mold forms in this product. Given that there are no preservatives in
the product, even a microscopic hole can introduce air and mold can begin to form.
back to topWhat can you do to prevent this?
Adding preservatives would be one option but we know that consumers
appreciate that
Capri Sun is preservative free. Through the years, we have made adjustments
to minimize leaks. However, there's just no way to guarantee a pouch is never cut or punctured.
That's why there's a statement on the carton, recommending consumers discard any leaky pouches.
back to topWhy are you not issuing a recall?
We checked our quality control records, product samples and recent consumer
contacts for issues or patterns. Nothing unusual was found that would indicate there was a broader problem.
The reality is, mold spores are literally everywhere. That's why most foods, especially those without preservatives,
eventually spoil and get moldy. Our quality controls are designed to minimize this exposure. Since there are no
preservatives in our drinks, mold can grow, especially if there is a small hole or leak in the pouch.
back to topWas cost a consideration in not issuing a recall?
Not at all. The safety of our products and the well-being of our consumers are our
highest priorities. Based on some previous incidents, we're reasonably certain the problem was mold.
back to topWhat if you have mold allergies?
Typically, mold must be inhaled to cause allergic symptoms. When
mold is found in
Capri Sun, it is immersed in liquid which would prevent the spores
from becoming airborne and inhaled.
back to topWhy should we believe Kraft Foods?
Even if you have concerns about large companies, you probably would
agree that not being honest about this situation would have far greater consequences. If we
expect you to buy our products, we must work hard every day to maintain your trust. That is
why we have been open and honest in sharing information about this situation.
All of us with
Capri Sun are sorry this happened and caused many of you concern.
back to topDoes Kraft Foods understand why I am worried?
Absolutely. We regret this situation and understand that it is
unpleasant. Many of us are parents, too, so we care about what our kids and your kids drink.
The safety of our food and the well being of our consumers are critically important to us.
And we're doing everything we can to address concerns.
back to topWhy don't you use clear pouches?
We tried that a while ago with Roarin' Waters. But, combining
two different packaging materials - front and back - created manufacturing problems, so
we returned to a full foil pouch. Still, we're always looking for ways to make our products
better and really appreciate your thoughts.
back to topI couldn't find any hole or leak in my pouch, how could mold grow?
Occasionally, even the tiniest hole — one that wouldn’t even allow the beverage inside to leak out — will permit air to get in.
back to topWhat's the shelf life of Capri Sun?
We've done a lot of testing to identify the optimal shelf life for all
Capri Sun products. Our beverages are heated to temperatures that exceed those for pasteurization.
This helps maintain taste and quality for up to a year. Always check the "Best Used By" date
stamped on the carton and discard any leaking or damaged products.
back to topWhere Can I Buy Capri Sun?
Easy. You can find
Capri Sun at most grocery
retailers nationwide, including local grocery stores, mass merchandisers, and
club stores.
back to topWhat flavors does each Capri Sun variety come in?
Here are all our current varieties and their flavors:
Original Capri Sun comes in these flavors:
Fruit Punch, Red Berry, Grape, Orange, Splash Cooler, Strawberry Kiwi, Surfer
Cooler, Mountain Cooler, Tropical Punch, Coastal Cooler, Strawberry, Wild
Cherry, Pacific Cooler, and Lemonade.
Capri Sun Sunrise comes in these flavors:
Orange Wake Up, Tropical Morning and Berry Tangerine Morning.
Capri Sun Roarin' Waters comes in these flavors:
Strawberry Kiwi, Wild Cherry, Tropical Fruit, Grape, Berry and Fruit Punch.
Capri Sun 100% Juice comes in these flavors:
Berry, Grape, Apple, Citrus, and Fruit Punch.
Capri Sun Super V comes in these flavors:
Berry, Fruit Punch and Apple.
back to topWhat's in Capri Sun?
Capri Sun is a line of juice drink blends that have 7-10% fruit juice,
25% less sugar than leading regular juice drinks, and contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Capri Sun is available in 14 flavors and all varieties are caffeine free. For a full list of
Capri Sun products and ingredients, visit
www.kraftrecipes.com.
back to top
Why did Capri Sun change its ingredients to include high fructose corn syrup?
Capri Sun is constantly evolving to bring consumers the best possible product. In the
last 20 years, we've changed product ingredients based on consumer preferences and market trends, but we have maintained
the same great quality that families expect.
Sugar prices have risen at unprecedented rates in the last 12 months and are at a 30-year high
1.
We made this change to help better manage costs for consumers in today's difficult economic environment while
preserving the good taste families expect.
back to top
What is high fructose corn syrup?
High fructose corn syrup is corn sugar - or an added sugar in the diet. High fructose corn syrup is composed of
the same two simple sugars (fructose and glucose) as table sugar, honey and maple syrup
2.
Generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1976
3, high fructose
corn syrup "is nutritionally equivalent to sucrose (table sugar)." According to the American Dietetic Association,
"once absorbed into the blood stream, the two sweeteners are indistinguishable.
4"
back to topAre there any risks associated with high fructose corn syrup?
Processed sweeteners, like high fructose corn syrup, are generally recognized as safe
by the FDA and are approved as general purpose sweeteners
3. For more questions on how this ingredient or product can
fit into one's meal plan, consumers should consult with their physicians or health care providers.
back to topIs high fructose corn syrup approved for children to consume?
The FDA has approved a number of sweeteners, including high fructose corn syrup, for use in foods
3. If they
have questions, parents and guardians should contact their physicians or health care providers to determine if high
fructose corn syrup is appropriate for their child(ren).
Registered dietician Carolyn O'Neil said, "The last thing we want is for Americans to think
that avoiding high fructose corn syrup is the answer. All added sugars should be consumed in moderation – corn
sugar, table sugar, honey and fruit juice concentrates.
5"
back to topWhat exactly is the natural flavor in Capri Sun Drinks?
A natural flavor is defined as an essential oil, essence or extract of a spice, fruit, or plant. The mixture of natural flavors used is a trade secret. Shhhh.
back to topDo Capri Sun Drinks contain any artificial
colors or dyes?
Nope!
Capri Sun doesn't have any artificial colors,
flavors, or preservatives.
Giving you wholesome choices for your kids is our biggest priority. That's why
we only use natural flavors and real fruit juice in
Capri Sun Drinks.
back to topDoes Capri Sun offer a lower-calorie option?
You bet. Our fruit-flavored water beverage,
Capri Sun Roarin'
Waters is low in calories and contains no artificial colors or flavors. Try it
in Tropical Fruit, Strawberry Kiwi, Wild Cherry, Grape and Berry.
back to topDoes Capri Sun contain any caffeine?
All
Capri Sun drinks are caffeine-free.
back to topHow should Capri Sun be stored if it's not open?
Store your
Capri Sun in a cool, dry place, like your
pantry or your refrigerator. Or you can even freeze it!
back to topCan I freeze Capri Sun?
You sure can. Actually, moms tell us they often put frozen
Capri
Sun in packed lunches, because it acts like a cold pack. It's completely
thawed by lunch time (approximately 4 to 5 hours at room temperature to thaw).
back to top
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. "International community must be aware of possibility of even higher food prices in 2011." June 22, 2011. www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/47733/icode/
- Corn Refiners Association."The Facts about High Fructose Corn Syrup." June 20, 2011. www.sweetsurprise.com/
- Food and Drug Administration."Corn Syrup." Database of Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Reviews. June 20, 2011. www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogsListing&id=95
- American Dietetic Association. "High Fructose Corn Syrup and Weight Status." Hot Topics. June 20, 2011. www.sweetsurprise.com/sites/default/files/ADAHotTopicHFCS.pdf
- American Society of Bariatric Physicians. "Change 'High Fructose Corn Syrup' Name to 'Corn Syrup,' Industry Asks Regulators." June 20, 2011. www.asbp.org/siterun_data/news/doc3335828881284590324.html
- United States Department of Agriculture. "10 tips to help you eat more fruits" July 14, 2011. www.choosemyplate.gov/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet3FocusOnFruits.pdf