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27th Jan 2025

Brits urged ‘not to consume’ popular beer as it’s recalled by supermarkets

Zoe Hodges

Customers can get a full refund

Supermarkets across the UK are urging shoppers not to drink Newcastle Brown Ale after issuing a recall over fears the beverage could be contaminated with glass.

Heineken UK issued the ‘do not consume’ warning to retailers after realising the glass of the 550ml bottles smashed when opened.

At least three consumers had complained about the glass fracturing when removing the bottle’s steel crown, leading the company to investigate and find the fault in a certain batch of ale bottles.

This meant that the product which retails at £1.75 was quickly removed from the shelves of all Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose and Aldi supermarkets.

Bottles with the batch numbers L4321, L4322, L4323, L4324, L4325, L4326 and a best before date of November 30, 2025, were the ones affected.

Pubs and bar that sell the beverage have also been asked by Heineken to check their stock.

The beer manufacturer says the move is a ‘precautionary measure’ and advised customers to return any purchased bottles to stores for a full refund.

They said: “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.

“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.”

Tesco and Sainsbury’s both issued recall notices urging customers to return the product for a full refund.