Initially announced in March 2024, the recall involves Fiji Natural Artesian Water produced by Natural Waters of Viti Limited (NWVL). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this as a Class III recall, indicating that the products are "not likely to cause adverse health consequences." According to the FDA, nearly 1.9 million water bottles have been recalled nationwide due to contamination concerns.
The recall affects more than 78,000 cases of bottled water, each containing 24 bottles, amounting to approximately 1,884,792 individual bottles. The affected water was distributed nationally through online retailers such as Amazon.com, following initial shipment to the state of Washington.
The primary reason for the recall is the detection of manganese and three bacterial genera in the water. Manganese, while a necessary trace element in small amounts, can pose health risks if consumed in excess. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that excessive exposure to manganese can lead to health problems. However, the FDA's classification suggests that the levels found in the recalled water are not likely to cause harm.
Melissa England, a spokeswoman for The Wonderful Company, representing Fiji Natural Artesian Water, emphasized that the recall was a precautionary measure. "The FDA classification announced yesterday relates to a matter from several months ago that never posed any health or safety risk," she stated. "It affected products that were sold through only one distributor, and 99% of all those affected bottles were reclaimed with the remainder in warehouses to be returned. There is no higher priority to us than the safety and quality of Fiji Water."
The production dates for the recalled water bottles are November 11, 12, 13, 24, and 25 of 2023. The case UPC code is 6 32565 00004 3, and the bottle UPC code is 6 32565 00001 2. Despite the recall, Fiji Water continues to meet all FDA requirements, and regular testing ensures the product's safety and quality.
This recall follows a history of similar incidents involving other brands. For instance, in June 2015, Niagara Bottling issued a recall for 14 brands of bottled water, including Acadia, Acme, Big Y, Best Yet, 7-Eleven, Niagara, Nature's Place, Pricerite, Superchill, Morning Fresh, Shaws, Shoprite, Western Beef Blue, and Wegman's, due to potential E. coli contamination. Additionally, Contigo Kids Cleanable water bottles were recalled multiple times due to a choking hazard posed by the detachment of the clear silicone spout.
The FDA's recent update on the Fiji Water recall, dated May 25, 2024, reassures consumers that the affected products are unlikely to cause adverse health effects. This update reflects the agency's ongoing efforts to monitor and ensure the safety of consumer products. Most of the recalled water bottles have already been reclaimed, with the remaining remaining in warehouses awaiting return.
The recall has sparked discussions about the safety and regulation of bottled water. While some argue for stricter regulations, others point out the unintended consequences of banning bottled water, such as increased consumption of sugary drinks. Studies have shown that removing bottled water as an option can lead to higher intake of unhealthy beverages, highlighting the need for balanced regulatory approaches.
Consumers are advised to check the production dates and UPC codes of their Fiji Water bottles to determine if they are part of the recall. Those with affected bottles should contact the retailer or the company for instructions on how to return the product. The return policy for Fiji Water can be found on the company's site.
