The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a significant recall involving thousands of cases of bottled water produced by Natural Waters of Viti Limited. This recall affects over 78,000 cases of “Fiji Natural Artesian Water” due to the presence of manganese and three types of bacteria. The water, initially shipped to Washington state, was distributed nationwide through online platforms such as Amazon.
Background of the Recall
Initially announced in March, the recall has been classified by the FDA as a Class III recall, which indicates that the product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences. Despite this classification, the recall has garnered attention due to the substantial number of cases affected and the potential presence of contaminants.
Company Response and Recall Status
Melissa England, a spokesperson for The Wonderful Company, which owns Fiji Natural Artesian Water, provided updates on the recall’s progress. As of May 25, most of the affected water bottles have been reclaimed, with the remaining stock held in warehouses awaiting return.
“The FDA classification announced yesterday relates to a matter from several months ago that never posed any health or safety risk,” England stated. She emphasized that the issue was confined to products sold through a single distributor and reassured that 99% of the affected bottles had been reclaimed. She reiterated that the safety and quality of Fiji Water remain a top priority and that there is no health or safety risk from manganese or bacteria in the recalled lots.
Specifics of the Recalled Products
The recalled water cases contain 24 bottles each. Key details of the recalled products include:
- Case UPC Code: 6 32565 00004 3
- Bottle UPC Code: 6 32565 00001 2
- Production Dates: November 11, 12, 13, 24, and 25, 2023
Health Implications & Filtration Fix
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes manganese as a necessary trace element found in food and water. However, excessive exposure to manganese can lead to health issues. The recalled water bottles were tested for excess manganese, and the study concluded they do not pose a danger to consumers regarding manganese toxicity.
Natural Waters of Viti Limited and The Wonderful Company have taken swift action to manage the recall and ensure consumer safety. Regular testing and quality control measures remain in place to maintain the high standards that Fiji Water consumers expect.
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