Natural Waters of Viti Limited has voluntarily recalled nearly 1.9 million bottles of FIJI Water after testing detected the presence of manganese and three types of bacteria. Authorities have determined that these findings do not pose a health risk. The recall began on March 4 and was reported by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on May 23. It falls under a Class III recall—the lowest level—which indicates that the product is unlikely to cause adverse health effects.
The specific products recalled are:
78,533 cases of FIJI Natural Artesian Water, containing 500-milliliter bottles sold in 24-packs.
Case UPC: 6 32565 00004 3
Bottle UPC: 6 32565 00001 2
Bottle Dates: November 11, 2023; November 12, 2023; November 13, 2023; November 24, 2023; and November 25, 2023.
These bottles were sold exclusively through Amazon.com. The company has successfully reclaimed 99% of the affected bottles, and the remaining 1% are held in warehouses and are not available for purchase. Consumers who received the affected bottles have been notified of the recall.
A spokesperson for FIJI Water stated, “The FDA classification relates to an incident from several months ago that never posed any risk to health or safety. It affected products distributed through a single distributor, with 99% of compromised bottles reclaimed and the rest in warehouses awaiting return. Ensuring the safety and quality of FIJI Water is our top priority. There are no health concerns related to manganese or bacteria in the recalled FIJI Water lots. Additionally, FIJI Water regularly tests its products to ensure consumers continue to enjoy the soft, smooth taste they expect and love.”
What Is Manganese?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), manganese is a naturally occurring mineral found in air, soil, and water. While it is an essential nutrient for humans, excessive exposure can lead to issues such as memory, attention, and motor skill problems.
Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that long-term consumption of water with high manganese levels can lead to reduced sex drive and sperm damage in men, nervous system issues, and negative impacts on brain development in both adults and children.
What to Do If You Have the Recalled Products at Home
Customers who received the recalled products were directly notified and all products have been reclaimed. If you possess any of these recalled bottles, do not consume the water. Return them to the place of purchase for a refund. For any inquiries, contact the FIJI Water hotline at 1-866-406-4149.
