Almost 2 Million Fiji Water Bottles Recalled Due to Bacteria
Consumers across the United States are urged to check their pantries after Natural Waters of Viti Limited, the company behind Fiji Water, issued a nationwide recall of a specific batch of its popular bottled water.
The recall was issued on March 4, 2024, and was issued from concerns about the presence of manganese and multiple bacterial strains in the Fiji Water bottle.
The Recalled Product
The recall affects Fiji Natural Artesian Water 500 ml (milliliter) bottles sold in 24-pack cases through Amazon.
The specific identification details for the recalled product are:
Case UPC Code: 6 32565 00004 3
Bottle UPC Code: 6 32565 00001 2
Production Date Codes: These can be found printed on the bottle cap and may include dates between November 11, 2023, and November 25, 2023.
"FIJI Water remains safe to buy and consume. This is a quality issue only affecting the specific lots sold on Amazon.com between February 1, 2024 and March 3, 2024 with PRD dates of Nov. 11, 2023, Nov. 12, 2023, Nov. 13, 2023, Nov. 24, 2023, and Nov. 25, 2023," Fiji said.
What Caused the Recall?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcement, routine testing by the company revealed elevated levels of manganese in the recalled product. The testing also identified the presence of three different bacterial genera: Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter.
While the FDA has classified the recall as a Class III, indicating a "low health risk situation," consumers are advised not to drink the recalled water.
For reference, a Class I recall from the FDA is considered "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
At high levels, manganese can cause neurological issues. The tolerable intake level for adults is 11 mg per day. The specific level of manganese detected in the recalled water hasn't been publicly disclosed.
E. coli can cause gastrointestinal illness with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps. Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter are less common but can cause infections, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems.
Fiji Water's Response
In a statement released after the recall announcement, Fiji Water acknowledged the issue and emphasized their commitment to product quality and consumer safety.
They assured customers that the affected product was limited to a single distributor and that the vast majority of recalled bottles had already been retrieved. The company also stated that the manganese levels found "never posed any health or safety risk."
What to Do if You Have the Recalled Product
Consumers who have purchased the recalled Fiji Natural Artesian Water 500 ml (24-pack) are advised to not consume the recalled water. Dispose of it responsibly.
Consumers can return the unopened cases to the place of purchase for a full refund. For further information or questions, consumers can contact Fiji Water at 1-800-822-2211 or visit their website at https://www.fijiwater.com/.