Several drinking water brands are currently under recall in the United States, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issuing varying levels of risk classifications to protect consumers. The most recent recall involves Berkeley Club Beverages Inc., which pulled 150,000 bottles of its water from distribution due to the presence of coliform bacteria—a type of bacteria not generally harmful on its own but potentially indicative of other pathogens. The recall, initiated in September, was classified as Class III by the FDA on November 8, signifying that the contamination is unlikely to cause adverse health effects. Under FDA guidelines, a Class III recall is the least severe, signaling a low risk of health consequences.
Berkeley Club Beverages’ recall joins three other ongoing drinking water recalls, each varying in the nature of the contamination and the level of health risk to consumers.
In March, Fiji Natural Artesian Water recalled over 78,500 cases of its 500 mL bottles marked with the case code 6 32565 00004 3 and bottle code 6 32565 00001 2. Company testing identified elevated manganese levels and three types of bacteria. While the bacteria detected were nonpathogenic and nonharmful, the company proceeded with the recall out of caution. No adverse health effects have been reported related to this recall, and the recall was classified under a moderate risk level.
Another recall, issued in November 2023, affected over 3,800 cases of Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water’s 1-liter bottles with the codes WB123275 and WB123276. Customers reported finding “floating particles” in the water, leading to the voluntary recall. Distributed across multiple states—including Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Michigan, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and Colorado—the affected batches were recalled despite no direct link to harmful health effects.
The most serious of the ongoing recalls involves Real Alkalized Water, which was recalled under a Class I classification in May 2021. The Class I designation indicates a significant risk, as FDA investigations connected the consumption of Real Alkalized Water to several cases of acute liver failure. This recall affects various bottle sizes, from 16.9 oz. to 5-gallon containers, and the FDA’s classification highlights the potential for severe health consequences or even death from exposure to the product.
While the presence of coliform bacteria in Berkeley Club Beverages’ water may not pose an immediate health risk, the recall emphasizes the FDA’s ongoing monitoring of water quality to ensure consumer safety. In all cases, the FDA and the companies involved encourage consumers to check their water bottles for affected batch codes and to avoid drinking water from recalled lots.
As the recalls continue, the FDA remains focused on testing, investigating, and ensuring that all water products on the market meet safety standards. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed of ongoing recalls and consult the FDA’s recall database or the affected companies’ websites for the latest updates.
