Beverage Drinks Recalled Due to Potential Bottle Breakage

Trader Joe's is recalling its Triple Ginger Brew product due to  'reports of unopened bottles potentially bursting."   This bottle uses a swing cap closure which is anchored into the glass.  If the product in the bottle becomes contaminated - either before closure or afterwards due to a poor seal (which can be the case if that rubber seal isn't seated properly against the glass during closure), then when that contamination grows, most likely in the form of yeast, the pressure formed due to the gas produced has a more difficult time releasing because of the metal clamp holding the cap down.

Another issue is when someone opens the bottle, takes a swig, and then clamps the lid shut.  They put the bottle on the counter and forget about it.  The problem is that they have introduced yeast into the bottle and those yeast go to town....multiplying and producing gas.  Again, with a clamp anchored into the glass, that pressure has no way to go but boom.

These closures are cool, popularized by Grolsh Brewery as well by home brewers who use this type of bottle with 'swing-cap-closure' because of ease of closing the bottle.  So it is easy to see why a commercial product trying to capture that 'home brewed' look would use this bottle.  But it appears now it may not have been a good choice for a product such as this.  If the cap cannot come off easily do to potential spoilage issues, then it probably shouldn't be used.

 


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm477562.htm
Trader Joe's Issues Voluntary Recall of Triple Ginger Brew
For Immediate Release
December 15, 2015

Contact Consumers Customer Relations (626) 599-3817
Media Alison Mochizuki (626) 599-3779
amochizuki@traderjoes.com

Firm Press Release
View Product Photos

Trader Joe's of Monrovia, CA is issuing a voluntary recall of all codes purchased from 11/9/15 through 12/14/15 of Triple Ginger Brew (SKU 51857) due to reports of unopened bottles potentially bursting. Although the ginger brew does not pose a health risk if consumed, all product has been removed from store shelves and destroyed. No injuries or illnesses have been reported to date.

This precautionary action comes after the company received inquiries from customers that had experienced unopened bottles shattering or bursting. The potentially affected product was distributed to Trader Joe's stores nationwide. Trader Joe's Triple Ginger Brew is sold in 25.4 FL OZ (750 mL) glass bottles.

Customers who have purchased the Trader Joe's Triple Ginger Brew are encouraged to handle it with care and dispose of it immediately in an outside container. Trader Joe's will provide a refund to customers who purchased the Triple Ginger Brew at any of their store locations. Customers can call the company's Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817 6:00AM-6:00PM PST, Monday - Friday, with any questions.