The Kefir Co Products Taken Out of Stock

3 March 2025

We are very sorry to announce that we are currently unable to send any The Kefir Co products out due to a slightly higher-than-expected alcohol test.

Our recent tests show that The Kefir Co Probiotic Coconut Kefir Shots are slightly higher in alcohol than the allowable 1.15%. Independent lab testing has shown the drinks to be 1.5-1.6%.  We believe that the testing that has been conducted is not the correct test for the kefir drinks, as there is so much particulate matter in the bottle, which can provide a falsely high reading.  We have identified an alternative testing lab, which is able to perform a different test for alcohol, so we have sent another sample away for testing.  Once we have this test result, then we can make a decision about our next steps.

MPI and Food Safety NZ are aware of our situation and we are in regular communication with them. At this stage, they have told us to not sell any further stock and to ask our stockists to take the stock off their shelves. We believe that the risk to human health is very low, and Food Safety NZ have informed us that a full consumer recall is not required at this time. There is no need to return stock to us, or to throw away what you have at home, but if you are concerned at all, please email me on hello@dannicdrinks.co.nz. 

We have put all Kefir products as out of stock on our website, until we have out next lot of test results back and can plan a clear way forward. I wholeheartedly apologise for the inconvenience of this, it has come as a shock to us.

This situation in no way affects our other brand Kc Kombucha, which has been independently tested and is fully compliant with its alcohol levels.

Please don’t hesitate to email me, should you have any questions or concerns about any of this. Once again, I apologise for the inconvenience of this and thank you for your patience as we work through the process.