Lion recalls Speight's Cider

MEDIA STATEMENT
For Immediate Release

11 September 2013: Lion is undertaking a recall of one of its Speight’s Cider products because it is incorrectly labeled.

The product being recalled is the Speight’s Cider 568mL glass bottle sold in six-packs and single bottles with any best before date between 9/6/13 and 16/1/2014.

Only the 568mL Speight’s Cider product within the best before date range specified above are affected. All other Speight’s Cider and beer products are unaffected.

The recall is being implemented because the 568mL bottles of Speight’s Cider are incorrectly labeled. The outer packaging (the box) is correctly labeled but the bottles aren’t. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Speight’s Cider liquid itself and the recall is only because the product is incorrectly labeled.

The product contains sulphites which are not declared on the label and this presents a potential health risk to people who are sensitive to sulphites.  Sulphites are naturally present in many fermented alcohol products and are often added as a preservative. People who are sensitive to sulphites will be aware of the food and beverage categories that they need to avoid.

While Lion has not been advised of any consumers experiencing an adverse reaction from drinking the product since it was launched twelve months ago, it is a mandatory requirement of the NZ Food Code for the presence of sulphites to be declared on the label of any food or beverage containing added sulphites in quantities greater than 10 parts per million.

As a result Lion has decided to recall the 568mL Speight’s Cider product immediately. This is in the best interest of protecting consumers and maintaining Lion’s high quality standards.

“We discovered the issue with the incorrect labels yesterday and have immediately initiated the recall.” said Liz Read, Lion’s External Relations Director.

“Consumers who are sensitive to sulphites are advised not to consume the product. Consumers should return the product to the store they bought it from for a full refund.

We are in the process of advising our trade customers to ensure the recalled product is removed from sale immediately.

We apologise to our trade customers and consumers for any inconvenience caused.”

Consumers will be able to continue to buy Speight’s Cider in 330ml bottle packs and on tap.

Consumers can call Lion’s hotline on 0800 835554 if they have any queries.

ENDS

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