Steinlager beer recalled after alcohol-free label error
More than 2,500 cases of Steinlager beer have been recalled in New Zealand after bottles containing alcohol were incorrectly labelled as alcohol free. The recall follows a consumer complaint that uncovered a production error at Lion NZ.
Authorities have warned consumers avoiding alcohol not to drink the product and to return it for a refund.
Lion NZ has issued a recall of Steinlager Ultra Low Carb beer after bottles containing alcohol were incorrectly labelled as alcohol-free.
According to the company, the issue came to light following a consumer complaint, which led to the discovery of an error during a production run. Clear glass bottles filled with Steinlager Ultra Low Carb beer at 4.2% alcohol by volume were labelled as Steinlager Alcohol Free and sold in Ultra Low Carb 24 packs.
The affected batch consists of 2,538 cases. Each case contains 24 bottles of 330 ml with a best-before date of 21 October 2026.
In a statement, a Lion spokesperson said: “We have identified through a consumer complaint, an error in a production run resulting in clear bottles containing Steinlager Ultra Low Carb beer ABV 4.2% incorrectly labelled as Steinlager Alcohol Free, being sold in Steinlager Ultra Low Carb 24 packs. Cases may contain a mix of clear bottles with labels for both products.”
Safety warning for those avoiding alcohol
The company said correctly labelled Steinlager Alcohol Free is packaged in green glass bottles, which distinguishes it from the clear bottles involved in the recall.
“Consumer safety is our highest priority, and we want to sincerely apologise to customers and consumers for any distress or concern caused,” the spokesperson said.
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“We will be conducting a full investigation to identify how this error occurred and will be putting steps and processes in place to ensure it does not happen again.”
Authorities advise consumers not to drink affected beer
According to New Zealand Food Safety, consumers who avoid alcohol should not consume the mislabelled product.
Deputy director general Vincent Arbuckle said: “People avoiding alcohol should not consume this product.”
As reported by New Zealand Food Safety, consumers can return the beer to the place of purchase for a refund.
The affected products were sold through retailers and hospitality businesses across New Zealand. According to authorities, the beer has been removed from store shelves and was not exported.
Consumers who have already consumed the product and are concerned about their health have been advised to contact their health professional or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.
“As is our usual practice, NZFS will work with Lion NZ to understand how this happened and prevent it recurring,” Arbuckle said.
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