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.