Heineken UK has announced an urgent recall of certain 550ml glass bottles of Newcastle Brown Ale due to a potential food safety risk.
Following an investigation into three recent consumer complaints, a small number of bottles have been found to exhibit glass fracturing at the opening when the steel crown is removed. This defect could result in glass fragments breaking away from the bottle, posing a potential risk of harm to consumers, the company said.
Upon confirming the issue with the bottle supplier, it has been determined that the affected bottles were produced between 16th and 21st November and sold in the UK. The impacted products are identified by specific best before dates and batch numbers listed below.
As a precautionary measure, Heineken UK is initiating an immediate recall of these products. Bottles produced outside of these dates are not affected.
This recall applies to Newcastle Brown Ale 550ml glass bottles with a Best Before Date of 30 11 2025 and specific batch numbers, which are printed on the label at the back of the bottle. No other Heineken UK products or Newcastle Brown Ale variants, including exports, are affected.
The affected products have been distributed through off-premise outlets such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retailers, as well as on-premise locations including pubs, bars, and restaurants.
Consumers who have purchased bottles with the affected batch numbers are advised not to consume the product. They are encouraged to return unopened bottles to their original place of purchase for a full refund, with or without a receipt.
“Safety is our top priority, and on the basis that a small number of bottles are impacted by this potential safety issue, we are recalling this run of glass bottles of Newcastle Brown Ale as a precaution,” a spokesperson for Heineken UK said.
“We urge those consumers in possession of the product not to drink it, but to return the unopened bottles to where they purchased them for a refund. We ask any customers to immediately halt the sale of any stock they hold with these batch numbers. We are providing customers guidance on how to register and return affected stock and ask them to contact our Customer Care team with any additional queries.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and are working with the regulatory authorities after alerting them of the matter.”
For any enquiries, independent free trade customers can contact Heineken UK customer care team on :0345 878 7071
For any consumer enquiries, contact the consumer care team at consumercare@heineken.co.uk
Best Before date: 30 11 25
Batch numbers affected by recall starting:
- L4321
- L4322
- L4323
- L4324
- L4325
- L4326
