FDA Issues Update on Fiji Water Recall Over Manganese Contamination Concerns
The FDA recently provided an update on the recall of Fiji Natural Artesian Water bottles due to concerns about manganese contamination. Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks, soil, and water sources. While it is an essential nutrient that supports various bodily functions, excessive exposure can lead to a neurological condition called manganism.
Symptoms of manganism include trembling, stiffness, slow movement, depression, mania, insomnia, delusion, hearing loss, and memory problems. The UK Health Protection Agency also warned that high manganese exposure could impact brain development in children.
In March, the FDA recalled over 70,000 cases of Fiji water bottles over concerns about manganese and bacterial contamination. The FDA has now classified the recall as “not likely to cause adverse health consequences.” Welders and individuals in steel factories face the highest risk of manganism due to their working environment, but drinking water with high manganese levels can also pose a risk.
The EPA states that manganese concentrations below 1 milligram per liter in drinking water are unlikely to cause health effects. However, the FDA mandates that bottled water should not exceed 0.05 milligrams per liter of manganese.
Fiji responded to the recall, reassuring consumers that the water remains safe to consume despite the quality issue affecting specific lots sold on Amazon. Newsweek has reached out to both the FDA and Fiji for further comments on the matter. If you have health concerns, reach out to health@newsweek.com for expert advice and potential feature on Newsweek.
