Food/Recall·openFDA/food

Vintage Roots LLC — Class II: Vintage Roots Root Beer Syrup, packaged in glass bottle. Net Wt. 8oz. (236.6 mL). Distribu

MediumPublished Jul 29, 2026· AI-analyzed Aug 3, 2026View original FDA source
AI-generated regulatory interpretation. The four sections below are an analyst-style summary produced by an AI model from the original FDA source. Always verify against the source before any regulatory, clinical, or commercial decision.
What happened

Vintage Roots LLC initiated a Class II recall for its Root Beer Syrup (8oz glass bottles) due to the inclusion of an unapproved food additive, sassafras bark. The recall status is currently listed as terminated.

Who it affects

This affects food manufacturers utilizing traditional botanical ingredients, specifically those in the craft beverage and syrup sectors, as well as quality and regulatory teams responsible for ingredient verification.

Why it matters

The use of sassafras bark is restricted due to safety concerns regarding safrole. This enforcement action highlights the FDA's continued monitoring of traditional or 'natural' formulations that may inadvertently include prohibited or unapproved botanical additives. For regulatory teams, it underscores that ingredient naturalness does not supersede food additive safety requirements.

Practical takeaway

Verify that all botanical ingredients in product formulations are recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) or approved food additives. Conduct a labeling and formulation audit if botanical extracts or barks are used to ensure compliance with 21 CFR standards.

FDA source material

Class II. Reason: Unapproved food additive: sassafras bark.. Product: Vintage Roots Root Beer Syrup, packaged in glass bottle. Net Wt. 8oz. (236.6 mL). Distributed by Vintage Roots, PO Box 12, Brady, MT 59416. The product label declares: Ingredients: Filtered Water, Pure Cane Sugar, Sassafras Bark, Burdock Roots, Wild Cherry Bark, Molasses, Fresh Lemon Juice, Star Anise, Coriander Seeds, Whole Clove, Wintergreen Extract (no alcohol).. Firm: Vintage Roots LLC (Conrad MT United States). Status: Terminated.

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