Beers recalled in 'precautionary' labelling alert

Three Tuns said the problem had come about because of updated guidance on labelling

A brewery has recalled some of its bottled and canned beers, because labels did not adequately spell out the risk of allergens.

Three Tuns, based in Bishop's Castle, Shropshire, said the recall was "precautionary", and the drinks remained safe for those without a wheat or barley intolerance.

The issue had arisen because it labelled its drinks as containing malt, but not making clear this meant the cereals were present, it added.

"We take compliance and consumer trust very seriously. This recall is about providing absolute clarity for our customers," a spokesperson said.

Products affected include five of the brewery's beers - XXX, Cleric's Cure, Stout, Best and Solstice - sold in 440ml cans or 500ml bottles and with best before dates up to August 2026.

A notice on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website said the labels did not make clear the beers contained gluten, making it a "possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to barley, wheat or gluten, or with coeliac disease".

The brewery said it would refund affected customers who returned the products they had bought.

Specific names

Guidance from the FSA, dated 2023 and aimed at helping producers comply with food labelling requirements, says: "Cereals containing gluten must be declared in the ingredients list using the specific name of the cereal, i.e., wheat... rye, barley or oats."

It also pointed to 14 pages of guidelines from the Food and Drink Federation, explaining how cereal names should be highlighted on labels.

The brewery said it was sorry for not meeting the requirements: "To those who may be affected, we offer our sincere apologies and thank our community for their continued understanding and support."