Nationwide Cocktail Recall Over Exploding Can Fears

Newsweek

2 days ago

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A popular ready-to-drink alcohol-free cocktail brand is being pulled from shelves nationwide amid fears that some cans could burst unexpectedly.
The nationwide recall was initiated by Columbus, Ohio-based company Peak Cocktails.
Newsweek has contacted Peak Cocktails for comment via email.
Why It Matters
This recall highlights growing safety concerns in the booming canned cocktail industry, where improper production or storage can lead to dangerous pressure buildup.
Stock photo: A can of drink in hand against the backdrop of a hotel pool. Close-up, blue aluminum can
Stock photo: A can of drink in hand against the backdrop of a hotel pool. Close-up, blue aluminum can
Getty Images
What To Know
The recall affects 16,128 units of Peak Cocktails Blood Orange Spritz 8.4 fl oz aluminum cans. The affected batches—codes B25127 and B25128—were packaged on May 7 and May 8, 2025, and sold both individually and in variety packs of 12, 24, and 48 cans.
According to the recall notice, the recall was initiated over fears that the aluminum cans could explode due to dangerous overpressurization.
The overpressurization issue can cause cans to burst, posing a potential safety risk to consumers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as Class II, meaning use of the product could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. No injuries have been reported so far, but consumers are urged to handle any affected cans with care and to dispose of them safely.
The recalled product, identified by UPC 860013380571, was distributed nationwide across 50 states and Washington, D.C., including major markets such as California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois. Peak Cocktails notified its distributors and customers via email when it initiated the recall on June 3.
Peak Cocktails has not specified the exact reason for the overpressurization, but overpressurization in canned beverages like cocktails, beer, or sodas usually happens when excess gas builds up inside the sealed container, causing it to swell or even burst. One of the most common causes is unintended fermentation. If any yeast or bacteria remain in the drink after packaging, they can ferment leftover sugars, producing carbon dioxide that increases internal pressure. This risk can be heightened if sterilization or pasteurization processes aren't thorough.
Temperature swings are another factor. High storage temperatures can expand liquids and gases inside the can, pushing the container beyond its designed pressure limit. Additionally, packaging defects such as weak seams or improper sealing can allow contamination or gas leaks that lead to uneven pressure. In rarer cases, certain acidic drinks may react chemically with the metal lining of the can, releasing more gas.
What Happens Next
Consumers are advised not to open or consume any cans from the affected batches. Instead, they should safely dispose of the products in a way that minimizes the risk of accidental rupture, such as placing them in a sealed bag and gently discarding them.
Customers seeking a refund or more information should contact Peak Cocktails directly.