HEINEKEN UK Recalls Newcastle Brown Ale Bottles

• Recall of 550ml glass bottles with specified batch numbers
• Consumers asked to return bottles to retailer for refund

HEINEKEN UK is recalling some 550ml glass bottles of Newcastle Brown Ale immediately following identification of an issue that may present a food safety risk to consumers.

On investigating three recent consumer complaints, a small number of instances have been found of glass fracturing at the opening of the bottle upon removing the steel crown. It is possible that fragments of glass can come away from the bottle which could potentially pose a risk of harm. On confirming the defect with the Company’s bottle supplier, this potentially applies to some of the 550ml glass bottles of Newcastle Brown Ale (picture below) produced between 16th and 21st November and sold in the UK with the best before date and batch numbers specified below. As a precaution, we are recalling this product with immediate effect. Batches before and after these production dates are not affected.

This recall impacts products that are available via off premise outlets such as supermarkets, convenience stores and online retail, as well as on premise locations, such as pubs, bars and restaurants which sell Newcastle Brown Ale in glass bottles.

The manufacturing issue is limited to certain Newcastle Brown Ale 550ml glass bottles only with Best Before Date of 30 11 2025. This applies to the batch numbers listed below, which can be found on the label at the back of the bottle. It does not affect any other HEINEKEN UK products or any other Newcastle Brown Ale SKUs (including exports).

Consumers in possession of bottles with the below batch numbers should not consume it and are invited to return the unopened bottles to their original point of purchase to receive a refund (with or without a receipt).

A spokesperson for HEINEKEN UK 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.”

For any customer enquiries, please contact our Customer Care team on:

• Independent free trade customers:0345 878 7071
• Star Pubs customers: 0345 878 7076 - option 1

For any consumer enquiries, please contact our 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