More than 150,000 bottles of water have been recalled in three U.S. states over concerns of bacteria contamination.
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The bottles recalled were specifically Berkeley Springs Water Purified and Berkeley Springs Water Distilled in 1- and 5-gallon bottles, Health reports. The states impacted are West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia,
A total of 151,397.75 bottles are part of the recall, with codes 090326, 090426, 090526, and 090626.
Although it was originally initiated in September, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the water bottle recall a Class III designation on Nov. 8. The health agency noted that this classification means “a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.”
The bacteria involved in this recall are known as “coliforms.” Newsweek points out that the bacteria is “unlikely to cause illness but that can indicate other pathogens.”
The FDA also declared on its website, “Total coliforms are a group of related bacteria that are (with few exceptions) not harmful to humans. A variety of bacteria, parasites, and viruses, known as pathogens, can potentially cause health problems if humans ingest them.”
EPA then noted that it considers total coliforms a useful indicator of other pathogens for drinking water. “Total coliforms are used to determine the adequacy of water treatment and the integrity of the distribution system.”
This is notably a “voluntary” recall.
Fiji Water and Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water Experienced Similar Bottle Recall Earlier This Year
Meanwhile, Newsweek reports that Fiji Water previously experienced a similar water bottle recall in March 2024.
More than 78,500 cases of Fiji Natural Artesian Water 500 mL with a case code of 6 32565 00004 3 and a code of 6 32565 00001 2 were recalled. This was after the company conducted tests, which revealed levels of manganese and three bacterial genera.
The bacteria was identified as nonpathogenic and nonharmful, a Fiji spokesperson confirmed.
The Fiji water recall was resolved and is available again for purchase.
Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water also had a recall in late 2023. This recall included its Naturally Alkaline Electrolytes Deep Well Water in 1-liter bottles with the codes WB123275 and WB123276. The recall was initiated after customers complained about seeing “floating particles” in the water.
The bottles were distributed in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Michigan, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia and Colorado. A total of 3,800 cases of bottles were impacted by this recall.