Ārepa’s Brain Drink batches recalled due to glass chip injuries

A New Zealand-made “Brain Drink” is being recalled due to a packaging fault that poses a potential injury risk. New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is assisting Alphagen NZ in the recall of specific batches of Ārepa brand The Brain Drink. The concern is that chipped glass on the top of the bottle may cause harm to consumers.

Vincent Arbuckle, the deputy director-general of NZFS, emphasized the importance of addressing this issue promptly. The affected products are specific batches of Ārepa brand The Brain Drink for Performance in 300ml bottles with best before dates of 22 Jan 2026. It is essential to check the batch numbers (28629 and 28630) and return any affected bottles to the point of purchase for a refund. If returning the product is not possible, it should be disposed of to prevent any potential injuries.

Following a previous incident in 2023, Alphagen had to remove health claims from its products, including The Brain Drink. The company had claimed that the drink enhances brain function, but it was cautioned by authorities for unsubstantiated claims. This led to a reassessment of their product labeling and advertising materials to comply with food safety regulations.

In response to these actions, some health claims attributed to Enzogenol, L-theanine, and vitamin C content in Ārepa’s products were amended or removed to align with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. The brand went through a rebranding phase with revised labeling to adhere to the regulatory requirements and ensure consumer safety.

It is crucial for consumers to stay informed about product recalls and take necessary steps to avoid potential harm. New Zealand Food Safety continues to work with Alphagen to investigate the root cause of the packaging fault and implement corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. By following safety guidelines and heeding recall notices, consumers can protect themselves and their families from any potential risks associated with faulty products.