Bell's Brewery Recalls Beer Over Bottle Defect

DETROIT (WWJ) - A west Michigan produced craft beer is being recalled but it's not the brew that's the problem -- it's the bottle.

Kalamazoo-based Bell's Brewery is recalling specific bottles of "Mercury: The Winged Messenger" which may contain a slight glass defect on the outside lip that could result in small pieces to break away.

This recall was initiated after a customer contacted Bell's directly about an issue when removing the crown. No one was injured. An internal investigation traced the potential defect to a single pallet of glass bottles received by Bell's.

Bell's did not specify exactly how many bottles are included in the recall, which applies only to bottles purchased in the following counties:

Allegan, Antrim, Barry, Benzie, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Clare, Clinton, Eaton, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Kent, Lake, Leelanau, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa, Shiawassee, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne and Wexford.

The company, which does not manufacture its bottles, says it has been working with its supplier to further protect the safety of its customers.

"We have zero tolerance for any glass defects and while the chances are small that this could come up again, we are doing everything we can to address this situation and making sure all bottles are immediately pulled from store shelves and distributor warehouses," Laura Bell, Bell's Vice President," said in a statement.

Customers with the recalled product should not drink the beer. Customers should also not attempt to return the beer to the store it was purchased at.

To obtain a refund, contact Bell's directly at 269-382-2338 or visit www.bellsbeer.com/mercury-recall.