Johnson & Johnson Orders Recall of Benecol Peach & Apricot Yogurt Drinks Over Customer Complaints of "Fizziness" and "Bottles Popping Open"

Johnson & Johnson is recalling more than 60,000 consumer packs of Benecol Peach & Apricot Yogurt Drinks from its retailer, Rasio, in the United Kingdom and Ireland over concerns of yeast fermentation on their products.

Rasio, a Finland-based licensed company which markets Benecol brand yogurt drinks in the United Kingdom and Ireland, made a recall after a number of customers complained of "fizziness" and "bottles popping open."

The recall details include three batches of the product which totals to 63,600 consumer packs, and each pack contain 67.5g bottles of the Benecol Peach & Apricot Yogurt Drinks. Johnson & Johnson Ltd confirmed that the products will be recalled at retailer level in response to the complaints.

"This action has been taken following a number of consumer complaints of fizziness and/or reports of bottles popping open. The suspected case is yeast fermentation, and initial laboratory analysis confirms this," Johnson & Johnson Ltd statement sent to the Dairyreporter.com.

The United Kingdom Food Standards Agency or FSA and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland or FSAI issued notices to recall products related to the complaint. FSAI also warned consumers that "some bottles may be bulging" and that the product may appear or taste "fizzy."

The FSAI posted in their Web site that if any consumer would find that some bottles are bulging or appears or tastes fizzy, they can contact Benecol's Customer Careline or email the company. Information on the withdrawal is also available on the Benecol site.

Johnson & Johnson advised consumers that their current analysis of product resulting to potential serious health serious health consequences is "remote" and if there are any medical concerns or questions, it is advisable to contact their physician.

Benecol Peach and Apricot Yogurt Drink is a product which has been proven to lower cholesterol, according to the label. The product contains a special ingredient called Plant Stanol Ester which is clinically proven to reduce LDL or bad cholesterol in the body. Each bottle has the right amount needed for the day to keep cholesterol in check, maintaining a healthy heart.