Here Is a Unique Viral News Snippet, Fact-Checked and Presented in the Standard Format.
Here is a unique viral news snippet, fact-checked and presented in the standard format.
VIRAL NEWS SNIPPET
Verdict: FALSE (Misleading Context)
Headline: COKE PULLS MOUNTAIN DEW WHITE OUT FROM SHELVES NATIONWIDE AFTER RUMORS OF “BANNED INGREDIENT” SPREADS ON TIKTOK
The Claim: A viral TikTok video (user @SodaSeeker88) claims that Mountain Dew White Out has been abruptly removed from all convenience stores and major retailers (7-Eleven, Circle K, Walmart) as of this morning. The video alleges the product contains BVO (Brominated Vegetable Oil), a chemical recently banned by the FDA, forcing an immediate emergency recall. The caption reads: “RIP White Out. The ‘mountain’ is finally out. BVO got you cancelled. Pour one out for the citrus.”
Why It’s False:
- No Official Recall: The FDA has not issued any recall for Mountain Dew White Out. PepsiCo (which owns Mountain Dew) has not issued a press release, a voluntary recall, or a stop-shipment order.
- BVO Fact Check: The FDA did ban the use of BVO in food and beverages in August 2024. However, Mountain Dew White Out has not contained BVO since 2020. PepsiCo removed BVO from all its products – including White Out – years before the FDA ban to stay ahead of regulatory scrutiny. The current formula uses glycerol ester of rosin (ester gum) as a stabilizer, which is still legal.
- Rumor Origin: The “shelves empty” rumor stems from a viral misinterpretation of a routine discontinuation of a specific retailer-exclusive size (e.g.,