Rubicon Sparkling Mango drink recalled over fermentation signs

A. G. Barr has been forced to recall 84,000 bottles of sparkling mango drink after the product showed signs of fermentation.

The company, which is also the maker of Irn-Bru, is recalling four batches of Rubicon Sparkling Mango two litre soft drink because yeast fermentation has resulted in the products becoming unfit for human consumption and liable to potentially explode.

Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol.

The company was unable to confirm reports that some of the product had already turned to alcohol.

A G Barr released a safety notice saying: "As a precautionary measure A.G. Barr is withdrawing four batches of its Rubicon Sparkling Mango two litre soft drink from the market because of signs of fermentation and the possibility that increased pressure caused by this fermentation may cause the bottle to burst.

"If drunk, whilst the liquid may be unpleasant in taste or odour, it is not harmful to health.

"No other batches of Rubicon Mango, or any other flavours, are known to be affected."

The batches affected were manufactured in May and June 2016 and have a best-before date of February 2017 or March 2017

Bottles affected can be identified by four-digit codes visible on the neck, which the company confirmed as 6149, 6150, 6176 and 6177.

An A. G. Barr spokesman said: A. G. Barr plc is communicating with all its customers about the affected product and is taking steps to ensure that such product is uplifted and removed from the market.

"Point-of-sale materials have been developed with advice to both consumers and customers on how to dispose of or return the affected product.

"Rubicon Sparkling Mango is a soft drink, not an alcoholic drink. The batches that we are recalling are affected by fermentation, which is a natural process.

"They are clearly not suitable for consumption. This is why we are advising consumers not to drink them and to contact our consumer care team."

A statement on the Food Standards Scotland (FSS) website said: "This product is showing signs of fermentation and a possibility of an increased pressure.

"This may cause the bottle to burst. The presence of yeast has resulted in spoilage of the products, making it unfit for human consumption."

Anyone who has the affected product can contact the Rubicon consumer care team on rubiconconsumercare@agbarr.co.uk.

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