More than 150,000 Water Bottles Recalled for Bacteria

If you live in Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia, you might want to double-check your bottled water supply. Berkeley Club Beverages, a company based in Berkeley Springs, WV, has issued a recall for 151,397.75 bottles of its water due to potential bacterial contamination.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently flagged this issue, so here’s everything you need to know to stay safe.

Which Products Are Affected?

The recall involves specific bottles of Berkeley Springs Water Purified and Berkeley Springs Water Distilled. If you purchased these products, look for the following codes on your bottles:

• 090326
• 090426
• 090526
• 090626

If your water matches these codes, it’s part of the recall. While the company initiated this voluntary recall on September 12 and officially terminated it on November 13, many consumers may still have these bottles at home.

What Is Coliform Bacteria?

The issue revolves around coliform bacteria, which the FDA considers unacceptable in bottled water. While coliform itself rarely causes serious illness, its presence can signal potential contamination from fecal matter or other harmful pathogens, including E. coli.

According to ScienceDirect, coliform bacteria can indicate poor sanitation, polluted irrigation water, or even contact with feces. This contamination can increase the risk of exposure to diseases associated with fecal-origin bacteria.

Should You Be Worried?

Don’t panic. The FDA classified this recall as Class III, meaning that exposure to the contaminated water is “not likely to cause adverse health consequences.” This designation is the least urgent type of recall.

However, the FDA enforces a zero-tolerance policy for coliform bacteria in bottled water because of the potential health risks of E. coli.

E. coli can cause symptoms ranging from mild diarrhea to severe, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. While no evidence of widespread illness is linked to this recall, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

What Should You Do?

If you have one of the recalled bottles:

1. Stop using the water immediately.
2. Dispose of the bottle safely.
3. Contact your local health department if you feel unwell and suspect the water may be the cause.

The CDC advises reporting any suspected cases of illness caused by contaminated bottled water.

A Look Back Recent Water Recalls

This isn’t the first water recall of the year. Earlier in May, Fiji Water faced a massive recall of 1.9 million bottles for similar reasons. Like the Berkeley Springs recall, the Fiji recall was classified as Class III.

These incidents highlight the importance of stringent water quality standards and the need for consumers to stay informed.

Conclusion

Water contamination recalls remind us to stay vigilant about the products we consume. Although the risk associated with the Berkeley Springs recall is low, taking proactive steps like disposing of affected bottles can help protect your health.

If you think you may have consumed contaminated water and feel unwell, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Staying informed and cautious ensures your safety and peace of mind.

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