A popular craft beer has been urgently withdrawn from sale across Australia due to serious safety concerns. The recall was initiated over fears the product could become dangerously over-carbonated after packaging, posing a risk of explosion.
Urgent Recall for Pacific Ale Party Kegs
Loophole Brewing Co has issued an urgent product recall for its Pacific Ale 5-litre Party Keg. The action follows the discovery of a potential fault in the brewing process that could lead to a dangerous phenomenon known as secondary fermentation. This process can continue inside sealed containers if fermentation is not fully complete before packaging.
The affected product was sold exclusively at Costco warehouse stores in several Australian states. These include New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Victoria, and Western Australia. Customers who have purchased the kegs are being urged to check their purchases immediately.
The 'Bottle Bomb' Risk and Health Concerns
The core issue is that secondary fermentation can cause excessive pressure to build up inside the sealed keg. This pressure turns the containers into potential 'bottle bombs' that may leak, rupture, or even explode, presenting a significant risk of injury from flying glass or metal fragments.
Beyond the physical danger, the fermentation fault also affects the beer itself. The ongoing process can unpredictably alter the beer's flavour and, critically, its alcoholic strength. This means consumers could experience an unexpected increase in alcohol content, which in some cases may lead to illness.
Official Advice for Consumers
The New South Wales Food Authority has issued clear guidance to the public. 'Consumers should not drink or open this product, and should dispose of it safely,' the authority stated. They have advised that anyone in possession of the recalled keg should contact Loophole Brewing Co directly for specific instructions on safe disposal and to arrange reimbursement.
The authority added a crucial health warning, stating: 'Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.' This underscores the dual risk of both physical injury from container failure and potential illness from consuming the altered product.
This incident highlights the critical importance of stringent quality control in food and beverage production, particularly for products undergoing natural processes like fermentation. Consumers are reminded to always heed official product recall notices for their own safety.
