Popular beer recalled over ‘double fermentation’ fears

A watermelon-flavoured beer sold nationally has been recalled over fears a defect causing “excess alcohol” could lead to illness or injury.

Watermelon Sour Beer (375ml) with a Best Before date of 7/11/23 has been recalled. Picture: yourmatesbrewing.com

A popular sour beer sold in Queensland and online has been recalled after the beverage was discovered to have undergone “continued fermentation in the can”.

Your Mates Brewing Co’s Watermelon Sour Beer (375ml) with a best before date of November 7, 2023 was recalled on Monday.

“The recall is due to secondary fermentation,” Food Standards said in a statement.

“Food products containing excess alcohol and carbonation may cause illness or injury if consumed.”

The brewing company took to social media on Tuesday morning to confirm the issue with the “recently released” Watermelon Sour.

“Mates, unfortunately we’ve had an issue with some of the tinnies from our recently released Watermelon Sour, with some tinnies potentially affected by secondary fermentation (continued fermentation in the can),” the post read.

“What this means is that some of the tinnies could have higher alcohol levels than what’s reported on the can, as well as higher carbon dioxide levels.

“We’ve only seen this occur in a handful of unrefrigerated cans so far, but we take the safety of our mates and quality of our beer very seriously, so we’ve jumped onto this with the authorities to execute our first-ever product recall.”

Watermelon Sour Beer (375ml) with a Best Before date of 7/11/23 has been recalled. Picture: yourmatesbrewing.com

The beer was sold at Your Mates Brew Pub Warana in Queensland and was also available for purchase online nationally.

“Consumers should not drink or open this product and should dispose of it safely,” Food Standards said.

“Please contact Your Mates Brewing Co for safe disposal instructions and to arrange for reimbursement.”

Your Mates Brewing Co joined the call for consumers to get in touch if they’ve purchased any of the tinnies.

“We’re also offering replacement beer or a full refund to those affected,” the company said.

“We want to say thanks to our loyal customers for supporting us.

“We’re gutted this has happened and apologise deeply for any inconvenience, but you can be sure we are committed to serving you only the best quality beers that you’ve come to expect from us.”

For further information consumers can contact Your Mates Brewing Co on 07 5329 4733 or can visit the company website.