The Coca-Cola Company pulled select 18 packs of its Topo Chico Mineral Water from store shelves in five US states, warning customers not to drink the affected product under any circumstances.
The recall was triggered on June 2 after routine testing detected traces of the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is particularly dangerous for individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic conditions.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly found in water and soil and is capable of surviving in harsh environments. In bottled water, contamination can occur if the seal is compromised or if sanitation fails during the production process.
The affected product was sold at Costco locations in Texas and Louisiana between May 20 and May 29. Coca-Cola confirmed that the same batch was also distributed to stores in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico.
The recalled water comes in 16.9 oz (500 mL) glass bottles bundled in 18-packs, marked with lot code #13A2541 on the neck of the bottle.
Costco notified members who purchased the product, stating that the health risk to the general public is ‘very low.’ However, individuals with weakened immune systems may experience minor to serious health effects if they consume the contaminated water.
Coca-Cola said the contamination was discovered during a routine quality control check. No illnesses have been reported so far.
Customers who bought the recalled product are urged to return it immediately for a full refund or toss them in the trash.
‘The safety and quality of the products we offer our consumers is our top priority,’ Coca-Cola said in a written statement.
Health officials warn that the bacteria can enter the body through ingestion or open wounds, potentially causing urinary tract infections, lung infections, or sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection.
Pseudomonas infections primarily affect people with weakened immune systems and pose a heightened threat to patients with chronic lung diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The strain’s resistance to many common antibiotics makes infections harder to treat and slower to heal. In hospitals, it is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections.
Mineral water is typically drawn from underground sources and can contain trace levels of natural microbes. However, it is supposed to undergo sterilization during bottling to ensure safety.
The recall suggests there may have been a lapse in the production or packaging process that allowed the bacteria to survive.
Customers who bought the recalled product are urged to return it immediately for a full refund or toss them in the trash (STOCK)
The CDC urges anyone who feels unwell after drinking the recalled water to contact a healthcare provider immediately, especially individuals with pre-existing health conditions or compromised immunity.
Topo Chico, a brand with more than 100 years of history and a devoted following in the US, was acquired by Coca-Cola in 2017 as part of the company’s push into the premium sparkling water market.
This isn’t the first time Topo Chico has faced scrutiny over safety concerns.
In 2020, Consumer Reports revealed that Topo Chico contained the highest levels of PFAS also known as ‘forever chemicals’ among 47 bottled water brands tested.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the environment or the human body. They have been linked to cancer, liver damage, fertility issues, and hormonal disruption.
The levels of PFAS found in Topo Chico exceeded the 5 parts per trillion (ppt) limit recommended by the International Bottled Water Association, and the 10 ppt combined limit for multiple PFAS compounds.
Some scientists advocate for even stricter limits, suggesting that exposure should not exceed 1 ppt.
Although the current recall involves bacterial contamination rather than chemical exposure, Topo Chico’s past PFAS issues could raise additional concerns about the brand’s overall quality control and commitment to long-term health safety.
Consumers concerned about bottled water safety are advised to monitor recall alerts, consult third-party lab testing reports, and choose brands that disclose their purification methods and PFAS testing results.
For more information or questions regarding the recall, consumers can contact Coca-Cola directly at 1-800-GET-COKE.
