Heineken USA announces voluntary recall of several products, packages due to defect in 12-ounce brown bottles for certain batches of Carta Blanca and Dos Equis Ambar

Nevin Barich

WHITE PLAINS, New York , April 11, 2012 (press release) – HEINEKEN USA today announced a voluntary recall of several products and packages in specific states due to a defect in the 12-ounce brown bottles used for certain batches of Carta Blanca and Dos Equis Ambar, which are available in 6-packs and 12-packs as well as “Beers of Mexico” and “Best of Mexico” pack varieties. Indio 12-ounce bottles, which are only featured in the “Best of Mexico” pack (available only in Texas), are also affected.

“We deeply regret this incident and are doing everything possible to resolve it quickly so that our consumers can continue to enjoy these products. We want every experience with one of our products to be flawless.”

Dos Equis Lager green bottles and draught; Dos Equis Ambar draught; Tecate; and Carta Blanca 32-ounce bottles are not impacted nor are any other HEINEKEN USA brands.

The affected bottles were produced by a third party supplier and the defect was detected through our routine quality inspections. Due to this defect, there is the potential for small grains or particles of glass to separate from the inside lip of the bottle and fall into the liquid. The pieces may vary in size and some may not be easily visible.

Although it is believed that the number of affected bottles is significantly less than 1%, to protect the safety of our consumers, the company has made the decision to voluntarily recall certain batches of products as a precautionary measure. There have not been any reports of consumer injuries, and while the likelihood of a possible injury to a consumer is very low, the presence of small particles of glass in the bottle could pose a health risk.

The affected products include:

* Carta Blanca 12-ounce brown bottles in 6-packs and 12-packs
* Dos Equis Ambar 12-ounce brown bottles in 6-packs and 12-packs
* “Best of Mexico” 12-pack variety package (which contains the impacted Dos Equis Ambar brown bottle and Indio 12-ounce bottles; this pack is sold only in Texas)
* “Beers of Mexico” 12-pack and 24-pack variety packages (which contains the impacted Dos Equis Ambar brown bottle)

The above products are being recalled only in certain states.

“Our passion is to consistently deliver high-quality beer to our consumers, whose health and safety is our first priority,” said Dolf van den Brink, President and CEO of HEINEKEN USA. “We deeply regret this incident and are doing everything possible to resolve it quickly so that our consumers can continue to enjoy these products. We want every experience with one of our products to be flawless.”

Consumers should check to see if they have affected product by comparing the first nine digits of the 13-digit production code on the neck of the bottle against the list of impacted product codes above. Please refer to the visuals for further assistance in locating the production code.

Consumers who have product on this list should not consume it nor should they allow others to consume it. Anyone who has consumed beer from an affected bottle and becomes ill or shows signs of complications should see a physician immediately.

Consumers can obtain more information at www.heinekenusa.com, by calling 1-877-522-5001 or by emailing CcmCerveza@QualityCustomerCare.com. Refunds will be offered for affected product to consumers 21 years of age or older. In order to receive a refund, consumers will be asked to provide their date of birth, name, address, phone number and email. Refunds will be issued in approximately two to four weeks.

For more information, please visit www.heinekenusa.com.

About HEINEKEN USA

HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation's premier beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world's most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken Lager, the world's most international beer brand; Heineken Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. HEINEKEN USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For a safe ride home, download the HEINEKEN USA -sponsored Taxi Magic™ application from your smartphone at taximagic.heineken.com. Please visit www.EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

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