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Bottled Water Brand Waiakea Recalls Thousands of Cases Due to Consumer Complaints
A prominent Hawaiian bottled water company, Waiakea Bottling Inc., has issued a recall of nearly 4,000 cases of its artisan water after consumers reported observing ‘floating particles’ in the product. The recall, impacting thousands of bottles of the volcanic-sourced water, highlights ongoing concerns about bottled water quality and safety within the industry. This action follows similar recalls from other brands, raising questions about the perceived reliability of bottled water versus tap water.
Waiakea Volcanic Water Recall Details
Waiakea Bottling Inc., recognized for its naturally alkaline water filtered through Hawaiian volcanic rock, finalized the recall this week. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially announced the recall in 2023, requiring over a year for the company to disseminate information and retrieve the one-liter bottles marked with UPC barcode 8 56652 00600.
Upon initiating the recall, Waiakea stated, ‘Following consumer feedback regarding floating particles in select bottles, our stringent quality assurance procedures identified a potential issue. Utilizing our safety protocols, we pinpointed the affected batches and implemented this cautionary recall.’
Industry-Wide Bottled Water Recalls
This recall of Waiakea’s premium water is not an isolated event. Several other bottled water brands have faced similar issues recently.
In Spring 2024, Fiji, a brand renowned for its artisan water sourced from a pristine stream, recalled 1.9 million bottles. This extensive recall was prompted by apprehensions over increased levels of a common mineral and the detection of three distinct types of bacteria.
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More recently, the FDA mandated a recall of over 150,000 bottles of water bottled by Berkeley Club Beverages, Inc., based in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. This action was due to contamination with coliform bacteria, an indicator of fecal contamination.
While the Waiakea recall, alongside these others, has been concluded, these incidents underscore that bottled water is not always a guaranteed safer alternative. The series of recalls and safety notices in recent years challenges the assumption that bottled water inherently offers superior safety over tap water.
FDA Classification and Inspection Findings
The FDA categorized the Waiakea recall as Class II, defined as ‘a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a faulty product may lead to temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences is remote.’
According to the FDA inspection report from the Waiakea Bottling Plant in Hilo, Hawaii, consumers described the contaminants in their bottled water as resembling ‘mold,’ ‘white blob,’ and ‘floaters.’
A 2024 inspection of the facility’s water sources revealed the presence of mold and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.
Company Response and Enhanced Safety Measures
In response to the recall, Waiakea emphasized its commitment to consumer safety and product quality. The company stated, ‘We have strengthened our quality control measures and enhanced our safety procedures to uphold the highest standards of product excellence.’
Waiakea further detailed these improvements, saying, ‘This includes upgrading our sanitation technology to state-of-the-art, fault-proof equipment and sensors.’
Bottled Water vs. Tap Water Regulation
Unlike bottled water, tap water is subject to regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA establishes stringent safety and quality standards and oversees public water suppliers accordingly.
Conversely, the FDA regulates bottled water companies. This oversight involves annual inspections of manufacturing facilities and mandates bottlers to test both source water and the finished product for contaminants.
Sources of Bottled Water Contamination
Bottled water can become contaminated through several pathways. If the water source, such as a spring or well, is not adequately treated to remove bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals, contamination can occur.
Pathogens may persist if water treatment methods, such as UV light or reverse osmosis, are insufficient.
Sanitation lapses during the bottling process also pose risks. Unclean bottles or caps can introduce bacteria. Similarly, improperly sealed caps can allow airborne particles or other foreign matter to contaminate the water.
Potential Risks Beyond Bacteria: Microplastics
FDA inspectors discovered concerning levels of bacteria and mold in the recalled Waiakea water, including 5,700 units of general bacteria per milliliter and 15 mold colonies per milliliter, including a harmful strain.
Beyond microbial contamination, consuming bottled water may present other health risks.
Studies indicate that a substantial majority, up to 80 percent, of bottled water products contain microplastics. These tiny plastic particles, smaller than five millimeters, can originate from the breakdown of larger plastics or be manufactured at a microscopic size.
Microplastics and Health Concerns
Microplastics can leach into bottled water during production. The manufacturing and sealing of plastic bottles can release plastic particles into the water. Additionally, water passing through plastic tubing and filters within bottling facilities can accumulate microplastics over time.
Emerging research suggests that microplastic exposure may disrupt the body’s endocrine system, which regulates key hormones. Such disruption could potentially contribute to fertility problems, developmental delays, and even certain cancers.
Bottled Water Consumption Trends
According to the International Bottled Water Association, the consumption of bottled water in the United States remains significant. Americans consume approximately 15 billion gallons of bottled water annually, averaging around 45 gallons per person.