Is There A Recall On FIJI Water Bottles In 2024?
Yes. Natural Waters of Viti Limited recalled about 78,533 cases or around 1.9 million FIJI Natural Artesian Water bottles (500 ml) due to possible bacterial content and high manganese levels. (1)(2)
Although an official FDA press release hasn’t been issued for this safety concern, the firm coordinated with the federal agency to voluntarily recall the affected products. (2)
The recall was first issued on March 4, 2024, but the FDA re-issued it on May 23, 2024. (1)(2)
Is It Safe To Drink FIJI Water?
Possibly. Natural Waters of Viti Limited insists that these bottled water products are safe for consumption and aren’t likely to cause health or safety risks. (1)
The FDA has also classified this safety issue as a Class III recall, which means that the use or exposure to the affected products, the bottled water in this case, isn’t likely to lead to adverse health risks. (3)
What Is The Issue With FIJI Bottled Water?
Tests conducted by FIJI showed three bacterial genera and high manganese levels in samples from the affected batches. These tests were reportedly done after the company received a customer complaint over the discoloration of their bottled water products. (2)
Although the company hasn’t released the test results for the elevated manganese levels nor identified the bacterial genera, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommended maximum is 0.3 mg/l. (1)(2)(4)
Overexposure to very high levels of manganese (<1 mg/m3 of dust or fumes) can lead to neurological problems. This condition is called “manganism” and is characterized by symptoms similar to Parkinson’s Disease: (4)
- Weakness
- Muscle pain
- Apathy (lack of enthusiasm)
- Slow speech
- Monotonous tone of voice
- Emotionless or “mask-like” facial expression
- Slow and clumsy limb movements
- Anorexia (an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and having abnormally low body weight)
However, the EPA clarifies that oral exposure to manganese isn’t likely to be as dangerous as inhaling its fumes or dust. It’s still considered among the “least toxic” elements, even though studies on its neurological effects (with oral intake) have conflicting results. (4)
Which FIJI Water Is Recalled?
Only the following products are affected by this bottled water recall: (1)(2)
- Fiji Natural Artesian Water (case with 24 packs of 500 ml bottles)
These products can also have the following UPC (Universal Product Code): (2)
- UPC Code: 6 32565 00004 3 Bottle
- UPC Code: 6 32565 00001 2
How Do I Know If My FIJI Bottled Water Products Are Included In The Recall?
Check for the following date codes on your FIJI bottled water (printed on the back of the individual bottles or the side of the 24-pack cases: (1)
- PRD 11 NOV 2023
- PRD 12 NOV 2023
- PRD 13 NOV 2023
- PRD 24 NOV 2023
- PRD 25 NOV 2023
Where Were These FIJI Bottled Water Products Sold?
The cases were sold on Amazon from February 1 to March 3, 2024. (1)
What To Do With My Recalled FIJI Bottled Water Products?
Despite assuring affected consumers that the bottled products are safe, Natural Waters of Viti Limited instructed them to dispose of the water. (1)
According to Natural Waters of Viti Limited, they’ve already identified the affected customers, and about 99% of the recalled bottles have already been reclaimed from warehouses or returned to the company. (1)
How To Process My FIJI Bottled Water Refund?
You can call Fiji Water at 1-866-406-4149 for a refund. (1)
Where Were These FIJI Bottled Water Products Manufactured?
- Fiji (a tropical island nation in Oceania located in the South Pacific Ocean) (5)
Protecting Your Family From Recalled Products
Most product recalls are due to safety concerns that can cause harm or damage. Protect your family by regularly monitoring product recalls. You can follow Motherhood Community to receive notifications for relevant product recalls.
Immediately stop using any recalled product and keep it out of your children’s reach until replacements or repair kits arrive.
In some recalls, companies require consumers to return or discard the products (but you need proof) for a refund.
Never use recalled products unless they’ve been repaired as the manufacturer instructed (with the repair kit provided). Even if they seem okay, they can expose your kids to danger at any time..
Other Recent Baby Product Recalls & Safety Warnings
Stay informed with the latest news by signing up for our regular Motherhood Community recall alerts so you never miss an important recall.
Check these comprehensive lists of product recalls by category:
- Crib recalls (up to 2022)
- Stroller recalls (2020 to 2023)
- Recalled toys list (2020 to 2023)
- Baby formula recall (2001 to 2022)
- Baby food recall (2015 to 2022)
- Pacifier recall (2019 to 2022)
- Baby wipes recall (2014 to 2022)
References
(1) https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2024/05/29/fiji-water-bottles-amazon-recalled/73899911007/
(2) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/index.cfm?Product=206515
(3) https://www.fda.gov/safety/industry-guidance-recalls/recalls-background-and-definitions
(4) https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-09/documents/support_cc1_magnese_dwreport_0.pdf
(5) https://www.fijiwater.com/the-water
