Ale drinkers are being urged to not consume certain batches of a popular beer made by Heineken after reports that some bottles would fracture after being opened
One of the UK’s most popular bottled beers is being recalled across several batches after drinkers reported finding ‘glass fragments’ after cracking one open. The beer’s manufacturer, Heineken, has warned members of the public not to drink affected beers due to safety concerns.
Anyone who owns an affected bottle of the 550ml Newcastle Brown Ale is being urged to return the product to where it was purchased for a full refund, so long as it has not already been opened. The beer has been recalled after some shoppers saw the glass neck of the bottle fracture after being opened, with the brewery warning of “a risk that the presence of glass fragments may cause injury.”
Newcastle Brown, aka “Newkie Brown”, the “dog”, or even just “brown,” was one of the UK’s first beers to be sold in a glass bottle, and has remained one of the nation’s favourite beers during its 98-year history. Responding to the recall, a Heineken spokesperson 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.”
Ale drinkers who have purchased a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale with the best before date November 30, 2025, as well as the correct batch code, should return their beer for a full refund. The affected batches are: L4321, L4322, L4323, L4324, L4325, L4326, according to the Food Standards Agency.
This batch number can be found in the bottom right of the beer’s label, just below the best before date. This recall affects all bottles sold, whether in convenience stores, supermarkets, or even those purchased by punters in bars and pubs.
The Heineken spokesperson continued: “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.”
