WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Heineken USA has issued a voluntary recall of several products and packages in specific states due to a defect in the 12-ounce brown bottles used for certain batches of Carta Blanca and Dos Equis Ambar, which are available in 6-packs and 12-packs as well as "Beers of Mexico" (sold only in Texas) and "Best of Mexico" pack varieties.
Indio 12-ounce bottles, which are only featured in the "Best of Mexico" pack (available only in Texas), are also affected.
Dos Equis Lager green bottles and draught; Dos Equis Ambar draught; Tecate; and Carta Blanca 32-ounce bottles are not impacted nor are any other Heineken USA brands.
The affected bottles were produced by a third-party supplier and the defect was detected through our routine quality inspections. Due to this defect, there is the potential for small grains or particles of glass to separate from the inside lip of the bottle and fall into the liquid. The pieces may vary in size and some may not be easily visible.
Although it is believed that the number of affected bottles is significantly less than 1%, to protect consumer safety, the company has made the decision to voluntarily recall certain batches of products as a precautionary measure. There have not been any reports of consumer injuries, and while the likelihood of a possible injury to a consumer is very low, the presence of small particles of glass in the bottle could pose a health risk.
The products are being recalled only in certain states. Click here to refer to the list of geographies impacted as well as the production codes.
"Our passion is to consistently deliver high-quality beer to our consumers, whose health and safety is our first priority," said Dolf van den Brink, president and CEO of Heineken USA. "We deeply regret this incident and are doing everything possible to resolve it quickly so that our consumers can continue to enjoy these products. We want every experience with one of our products to be flawless."
Consumers should check to see if they have affected product by comparing the first nine digits of the 13-digit production code on the neck of the bottle against the list of impacted product codes above.
In an unusual extra measure, the company has released a video offering further assistance in locating the production code (watch the video above or click here).
The company is telling consumers who suspect that they have affected products should not consume it nor should they allow others to consume it. Anyone who has consumed beer from an affected bottle and becomes ill or shows signs of complications should see a physician immediately.
White Plains, N.Y.-based Heineken USA Inc., a leading beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV. European brands imported into the United States include Heineken Lager, Heineken Light, Amstel Light, Newcastle Brown Ale and Buckler nonalcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico.
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