On March 4, Fiji Water, produced by Natural Waters of Viti Limited (NWVL), recalled nearly 1.9 million bottles (or 78,533 cases) due to the presence of manganese and three types of bacteria. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall on May 23, categorizing it as Class III, meaning it is not likely to cause health issues.
According to Allrecipes, manganese is necessary for good health, but excessive amounts can be harmful. However, Fiji Water assures that the recalled water does not pose a risk of manganese toxicity. The other bacteria found are said to be harmless.
The specific product being recalled is the Fiji Natural Artesian Water 500 mL (24-pack), with UPC codes and dates listed. These were sold in Washington state and on Amazon.com between February 1, 2024, and March 3, 2024.
- Case UPC Code: 6 32565 00004 3
- Bottle UPC Code: 6 32565 00001 2
- Dates: Nov. 11, 2023; Nov. 12, 2023; Nov. 13, 2023; Nov. 24, 2023; Nov. 25, 2023
A Fiji Water spokesperson clarified that the recall only affected a small number of products sold through one distributor months ago, with almost all reclaimed. Fiji Water emphasizes its commitment to safety and quality, stating that regular testing ensures the water meets consumer expectations.
