Steinlager Ultra Low Carb (330ml) bottle with an incorrect label. Photo / MPI
Steinlager Ultra Low Carb (330ml) bottle with an incorrect label. Photo / MPI
A batch of Steinlager beer is being recalled after bottles were incorrectly labelled as alcohol-free.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) announced it was helping Lion NZ recall 2538 cases of beer after a consumer complaint.
A production run error saw clear bottles containing Steinlager Ultra Low Carb beer ABV4.2% incorrectly labelled as Steinlager Alcohol Free.
The affected product came in Steinlager Ultra Low Carb 24-packs, has a Steinlager Alcohol Free front label displayed on a clear bottle, and the best before date October 21, 2026 on the bottle above the label.
Steinlager Alcohol Free is only ever sold in green bottles, not clear bottles.
“I am very mindful that this recall will be concerning for a range of consumers who have medical, cultural, or lifestyle reasons why they select non-alcoholic beverages,” said New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.
“People avoiding alcohol should not consume this product. They can return it to the place of purchase for a refund.”
Thousands of 24-packs of the ultra-low-carb beer have been recalled because they were mistakenly labelled alcohol free. Photo / MPI
The affected products are sold at retailers and hospitality businesses nationwide. They have been removed from store shelves and have not been exported.
Lion said consumers can contact them directly on 0800 835 554 and will be reimbursed.
“Consumer safety is our highest priority and we want to sincerely apologise to customers and consumers for any distress or concern caused,“ a spokesperson said.
“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.”
Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
