Introduction

If you’ve recently purchased the New Mexico Pinon Coffee Dark Pinon Single Serve Cups, you may be wondering: is it safe to drink? The answer: not yet — there’s an active recall for a defined batch. Even though no illnesses have been reported, the issue raises important questions for anyone who uses single-serve pods. Read on to understand what’s happening, how to check your product, and how to protect yourself going forward.

What’s the issue with the Pinon coffee recall?

The recall concerns a single lot of Dark Pinon Single Serve Cups that may allow the food-safe ink from the cup lid to leach into your brew due to a sealing defect.

Specifically, during production the clear-coat seal on the lid was inconsistently applied, meaning that when exposed to high temperature and pressure (as in a K-cup machine) the ink could migrate into the coffee.

Key Details:

  • Product: Dark Piñon Single Serve Cups (10-count box)
  • Lot Code: 251749
  • UPC: 812361033081
  • Best By Date: 05/08/2026
  • Classification: FDA Class III recall (low-risk, voluntary action)

Who should be concerned?

If you are a consumer who uses single-serve pods and own this specific product lot, you should take action. However, if you are a commercial user (office, café) who stocked this lot, you also should check and withdraw the pods.

If you purchased a different lot, or a different product by the brand that is not listed in the recall, you are likely unaffected — but it’s still wise to check labels.

How to check if your cup is part of the recalled batch

Here’s a step-by-step list to identify whether your box is affected:

  1. Look at the packaging: it should read Dark Piñon Single Serve Cups – 10-count box.
  2. Check the lot code: it must read 251749.
  3. Check the UPC: 812361033081.
  4. Confirm the “Best by” date: 05/08/2026.
  5. If all these match, do not use the cups. Return them to the retailer or dispose of them per instructions from the brand.

What to do if your product is affected

The recall instructions are clear:

  • Stop using the pods immediately.
  • Return them to the place of purchase for a refund or follow the brand’s guidance for disposal.
  • Contact the brand if you have questions: New Mexico Piñon Coffee lists a phone number: 505-298-1964.
  • Keep proof of purchase if you hope to claim a refund.

Is there a health risk with this recall?

The risk is described as very low: the FDA designated the recall as Class III (least serious) — meaning the defect is unlikely to cause adverse health consequences.
To date, no illnesses or injuries have been reported associated with this product.
Still — since the potential for contamination exists (even if minor), withdrawing the product is the safest move.

Why did this defect happen?

The root cause was a packaging/sealing failure: the clear-coat seal on the lid was not consistently applied, which allowed ink printed on the cups’ lids to migrate into the ground coffee when brewing conditions (heat + pressure) triggered it.

In short: the manufacturing process had a quality-control gap. Manufacturers are increasingly facing this kind of packaging defect, especially in high-pressure single-serve systems.

What you can learn as a consumer (and what manufacturers should do)

  • For consumers:

    • Check batch codes and product details — even trusted brands may have isolated defects.
    • Keep purchase receipts and note “best by” dates.
    • Don’t assume “food-safe ink” means no risk — manufacturing defects still matter.

  • For manufacturers (and retailers):

    • Ensure robust sealing and coating processes in single-serve cups.
    • Conduct real-world brewing pressure/temperature tests (especially for K-cup formats).
    • Trace and audit supplier materials for packaging integrity.
    • Develop contingency systems for quick recall response and consumer notification.

What’s next for Pinon Coffee & the market

The recall may prompt:

  • Increased scrutiny of single-serve packaging across the industry.
  • Shifts in consumer behavior — some may avoid single-serve pods in favor of other formats.
  • Retailers and manufacturers emphasizing transparency about batch codes and best-by dates.
  • Potential consumer trust erosion in the brand, unless handled smoothly.

Industry Impact

While this recall is small in scale, it underscores growing scrutiny of single-serve packaging safety. Coffee brands and packaging suppliers may face tighter oversight and more frequent testing of materials used in high-heat brewing systems.

Retailers are expected to continue selling unaffected Piñon Coffee products, as the recall applies only to one lot.

FAQ

Q1: Is only one product affected?

Yes — the recall applies only to the lot code 251749 of the Dark Piñon Single Serve Cups (10-count box). No other Piñon products are currently listed.

Q2: Can I still drink other Piñon coffee products?

Yes — if the product is not the specific lot listed, it is not part of the recall. But always check your packaging: lot code, UPC, and “best by” date.

Q3: I used one of the recalled pods already. What now?

Since no illness has been reported and the risk is low (Class III), the likelihood of harm is very small. If you feel unwell after consumption, contact a medical professional and describe the product used.

Q4: Will I be refunded automatically?

Typically you’ll need to return the product (or follow brand instructions) to claim refund or replacement. Keep proof of purchase.

Q5: How can I avoid such recall issues in the future?

  • Always buy from reliable retailers.
  • Inspect lot codes and keep receipts.
  • Stay alert for recall announcements from the brand or the FDA.

References

Disclosure Line

This article was prepared using verified web and peer sources and reviewed for factual accuracy.