Ribena products recalled in Malaysia after manufacturing error

SINGAPORE – Specific batches of the popular blackcurrant concentrate drink Ribena have been recalled from shop shelves in Malaysia following a statement by Japanese beverage manufacturer Suntory on Monday (Aug 14). 

In the statement, Suntory's regional general manager for Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore, Lee Hon Tong said the company has made a voluntary decision to withdraw specific batches of their products. 

This includes Ribena concentrate with the flavours Blackcurrant Regular, Blackcurrant & Glucose in pack sizes of 600 ml, one-litre and two-litre sizes with expiry dates from May to Aug 2018. 

In addition, one-litre bottles of Ribena Blackcurrant & Strawberry, and Blackcurrant & Blueberry, with the expiration dates of Feb to March 2018, as well as Blackcurrant & Apple flavour with expiration dates between April and May are also recalled.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the product had been exposed to air during the bottling process causing it to expire earlier. 

Mr Lee added that the decision to withdraw the products from retailers, warehouse and distributors was made in order to not compromise the quality of the products. 

“Although not every bottle is affected, consumers are advised to not drink the beverage if it appears unusual, tastes or smells sourish,” he said.

However, all of Ribena ready-to-drink products such as sparkling Ribena, pouch pack, packet drinks and PET Bottles and Ribena pastilles are not affected and still available for purchase.

The statement added that further investigations are still ongoing, and production for Ribena Concentrate products has been halted until investigations are completed early next week.

TODAY has reached out to Suntory to find out if Ribena products in Singapore have been affected.