FDA lifts recall warnings on Fiji Water and Berkeley Club Beverages, but other bottled water brands remain under scrutiny for potential health risks.
At a Glance
- FDA terminates recalls for Fiji Water and Berkeley Club Beverages after months of safety concerns
- Fiji Water’s recall affected over 78,500 cases due to manganese and non-harmful bacteria
- Berkeley Club Beverages recalled over 1,000 bottles for potential coliform bacteria contamination
- Other brands like Waiakea and Real Water remain under FDA observation for safety issues
- Real Alkalized Water faces ongoing investigations and lawsuits related to acute liver failure cases
FDA Concludes Lengthy Recalls for Major Bottled Water Brands
The Food and Drug Administration has lifted recall warnings for two major bottled water brands, Fiji Water and Berkeley Club Beverages, marking the end of months-long scrutiny over safety concerns. Fiji Water’s recall, which lasted eight months, affected more than 78,500 cases due to worries about non-harmful bacteria and high manganese levels. Berkeley Club Beverages resolved its recall involving over 1,000 bottles potentially contaminated with coliform bacteria in just two months.
Both recalls were classified as Class III by the FDA, indicating that the use of these products was “not likely to cause adverse health consequences.” This classification highlights the precautionary nature of these recalls, aimed at maintaining the highest standards of consumer safety rather than addressing immediate health threats.
FDA announces a recall of Berkeley Club Beverages bottled water.https://t.co/aUwxKCPzft
— Monte GenX (@theenemygop) November 12, 2024
Regulatory Oversight and Industry Response
The FDA’s decision to terminate these recalls comes after determining that all reasonable efforts have been made to remove or correct the affected products.
It’s worth noting that the FDA initially reported an incorrect number of recalled Berkeley Club bottles, which a company spokesperson later called a “tremendous mistake.” This incident highlights the importance of accurate communication during recall processes and the potential for misinformation to cause unnecessary public concern.
Ongoing Concerns in the Bottled Water Industry
While Fiji Water and Berkeley Club Beverages have resolved their safety issues, other bottled water brands remain under FDA observation. Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water is currently recalled due to “floating particles,” raising questions about quality control in the bottled water industry.
Of particular concern is the ongoing recall of Real Alkalized Water, which has been linked to cases of acute liver failure. This recall is classified as Class I, the most severe category, indicating a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The situation surrounding Real Alkalized Water has led to ongoing investigations and lawsuits, highlighting the potential dangers of contaminated or improperly processed bottled water.
