New Mexico Piñon Coffee recalled 154 units of its Dark Pinon Single Serve Coffee Cups on June 20 after uncovering a manufacturing defect that could let ink leak into brewed beverages. The recall focused on ink safety issues tied to a lid seal defect during production, raising questions about manufacturing standards. The flaw occurred when hot water interacted with improperly coated pod lids during brewing, causing food-safe ink from labels to seep into drinks.
Products affected bear the lot code 251749, UPC 812361033081, and a best-by date of May 8, 2026.
The company stated the problem stemmed from inconsistent application of a protective coating on pod lids, which normally prevents ink from running under heat. High-pressure machines like Keurigs worsened the issue by forcing hot water through compromised seals.
Though the FDA classified the recall as Class III—suggesting low health risks—no injuries have been reported. According to FDA guidelines, Class III recalls involve minimal risk, whereas Class I addresses dangerous products that may cause death or serious injury. New Mexico Piñon Coffee emphasized the ink isn’t toxic but called the recall precautionary to uphold quality.
Recalled Dark Pinon pods, sold in 10-count packages at retailers like Walmart and Target, were part of a single production lot. Roughly 150 units were pulled nationwide. The company’s prior 2025 recall involved 692 units of decaffeinated coffee due to incorrect caffeine levels. Customers are urged to stop using affected pods and return them for refunds or dispose of them safely.
The company’s president, Matthew Bregar, confirmed manufacturing adjustments to fix the coating process. A customer service line (505-298-1964) is available for questions.
This marks the company’s latest recall in 2025. Earlier, decaf pods containing caffeinated coffee raised heart-risk concerns. The FDA issued public alerts for both cases but reiterated that current ink contamination poses minimal danger.
While ink used on packaging meets food-safe standards, the incident highlights growing scrutiny of production practices in the single-serve coffee sector.
The recall underscores challenges in balancing convenience with safety in niche markets. Though small in scale, it arrives amid broader food industry recalls linked to packaging flaws. Consumer trust may hinge on transparent communication, with companies like New Mexico Piñon Coffee now under pressure to prove their fixes work.
The FDA continues monitoring the situation but hasn’t mandated further action.
