Pernod Ricard USA is voluntarily recalling Absolut TUNE, a sparkling fusion of wine and vodka, because its label neglected to disclose that the product contains sulfites.
The sulfites in TUNE are safe for the vast majority of people, and sulfites are present in many other food products and beverages, such as wines. A small portion of the population is allergic or sensitive to sulfites. To date, the company has not received any reports of adverse reactions associated with this product.
TUNE has been distributed in retail stores in 10 U.S. states (Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York and Washington) since being launched in late 2012. Pernod Ricard USA, which markets and distributes TUNE in the U.S., voluntarily initiated the recall today after learning of the labeling error. New corrected labels are being produced, and it is expected that TUNE will be restored to U.S. shelves as quickly as possible.
The company is cooperating with the appropriate authorities, including the U.S. Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau, on the recall. “This is not a product quality issue. Rather, it is an issue involving the need for labels to inform susceptible sulfite sensitive individuals. Providing correct information for consumers always has been a top priority for Pernod Ricard USA,” said Bryan Fry, the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
Consumers who purchased TUNE and wish to obtain a refund should contact the company’s consumer hotline at 1-866-220-8713. That line is answered live Monday – Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (ET).
Source: Pernod Ricard