Fiji water recalls 1.9 million bottles over manganese and bacterial contamination

More than one million water bottles sold on Amazon have been recalled over concerns of manganese and bacterial contamination. 

The FDA announced on May 23 that 78,533 cases of Fiji Natural Artesian Water had been recalled due to manganese and three bacterial genera.

Fiji's parent company Natural Waters of Viti Limited initiated the repeal in March when they were notified of complaints of discoloration in the contaminated products.

FDA testing found traces of contamination in the products deemed likely to have been affected, but ruled it's 'not likely to cause adverse health consequences'. 

'The FDA classification announced yesterday relates to a matter from several months ago that never posed any health or safety risk,' Melissa England, a spokeswoman for The Wonderful Company which represents Fiji Natural Artesian Water told KSNT.

'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. There is no health or safety risk posed from manganese or bacteria in the recalled lots of FIJI Water. 

'Moreover, FIJI Water conducts regular testing to ensure consumers enjoy the soft, smooth taste of FIJI Water that they expect and love.'

According to the CDC manganese is a trace element needed to stay healthy, but at high levels can cause damage to the brain. 

On May 23, the FDA gave the recall a class three designation which is defined as 'a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.'

FIJI Water said on X that the products affected are Fiji Water 500mL (24-packs) with projected rotation dates of Nov. 11, 2023, Nov. 12, 2023, Nov. 13, 2023, Nov. 24, 2023 and Nov. 25, 2023 sold through Amazon. 

'This is a quality issue only affecting the specific lots sold on Amazon.com between February 1, 2024 and March 3, 2024,' the company said.

England said most of the bottles impacted by the recall have been reclaimed and the remaining bottles are being held in warehouses.