Don’t open that yet! Authorities say these cans could explode without warning

A popular Aussie beer has landed in hot water.

What started as a refreshing summer favourite has turned into a potential safety hazard hiding in fridges across the country.

And if you’re one of the many fans of Little Creatures Little Hazy Lager, you’ll want to check your cans before cracking one open.

An urgent recall has been issued nationwide after authorities warned that certain cans of Little Creatures Little Hazy Lager could burst open and cause injury.

The alert came from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), which confirmed the affected batch carries a best before date of 10/11/2025.

The issue stems from a problem known as secondary fermentation—a process that can cause excessive pressure to build up inside the can.

Essentially, the yeast keeps working after packaging, creating extra alcohol and carbonation that can make the cans dangerously over-pressurised.

Think of it like opening a bottle of soft drink after it’s been shaken… except this one could actually explode.

The affected product is a mid-strength lager at 3.5 per cent alcohol, known for its tropical fruit flavours of apricot, peach, summer melon and grapefruit.

It’s been a hit among drinkers who prefer a lighter, easy-drinking option—until now.

The recall covers cans sold at Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, along with IGA and independent liquor retailers in New South Wales and Coles stores in Western Australia.

FSANZ urges anyone who’s purchased the beer to check the best before date—only cans marked 10/11/2025 are affected.

When it comes to next steps, consumers are being told not to open or drink the product.

Lion—Beer, Spirits and Wine Pty Ltd, the company behind Little Creatures, is offering safe disposal instructions and full refunds.

The company has also reassured customers that no injuries have been reported so far.

And if you’re worried about your health, FSANZ advises speaking with a doctor just to be safe.

This isn’t the first time Australian beverages have fizzed up more than expected.

In May 2024, StrangeLove soft drinks were also recalled after secondary fermentation caused unexpected alcohol content and increased carbonation.

Incidents like these are rare but remind us that even the best breweries can face brewing challenges.

Craft beers and unique yeast strains sometimes lead to unpredictable results—but the quick response from food safety authorities shows how well the system works.

Little Creatures, brewed in Fremantle, Western Australia, is known for its hop-forward beers and flavourful craftsmanship.

The brewery was originally owned by Little World Beverages before being acquired by Lion, a major Australian and New Zealand subsidiary of Japan’s Kirin group.

Their brewers proudly call themselves ‘certified hopheads’, using whole hop flowers and a hop-back system to create their distinctive floral aroma and bitterness.

Product recalls might sound worrying, but they’re actually proof that Australia’s food safety system is functioning exactly as it should.

FSANZ conducts recalls for a range of issues—from undeclared allergens to contamination or fermentation faults—to ensure consumers stay safe.

So if you ever see a recall notice, don’t ignore it.

A quick check could save you a nasty surprise… or worse.

If you thought beer recalls were rare, think again—product safety alerts have been making headlines across all kinds of everyday items lately.

Just like the Little Creatures recall, some products we trust can unexpectedly pose risks that catch even the most careful shoppers off guard.

Here’s another recent example that had shoppers double-checking their fridges and pantries.

Read more: Urgent recall alert pulls popular grocery item from shelves

Better to skip a beer today than end up nursing an injury tomorrow—have you ever been caught out by a product recall like this?