Rubicon recalls 84,000 bottles over explosion fears

UK-based soft drinks producer A.G. Barr has recalled four batches of its fizzy mango Rubicon drink as yeast fermentation has led to the risk of the drink exploding.

The products have become unfit for human consumption as the fermentation is feared to turn the drink into alcohol and potentially explode.

The firm, which also makes Irn-Bru, did not confirm whether some of the product has already turned into alcohol.

"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."

According to the firm, no other batches of Rubicon Mango or any other flavours are known to be affected.

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

They can be identified by the four-digit codes 6149, 6150, 6176 and 6177 that are visible on the neck.

The company said "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 confirmed this, saying: "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."

A.G. Barr shares were up 0.4% to 502.50p at 1326 BST.