The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class III recall affecting over 150,000 bottles of water produced by Berkeley Club Beverages, Inc., located in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. The recall involves both one- and five-gallon varieties of Berkeley Springs Water Purified and Berkeley Springs Water Distilled. Product codes 090326, 090426, 090526, and 090626 are specifically impacted. This recall affects consumers in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia due to the detection of coliform bacteria in the water supply.
Coliforms are a group of bacteria found naturally in the environment, including in water. While not all coliforms are harmful, certain types, such as E. coli, can cause significant health issues. Symptoms of E. coli infection include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever. The New York State Department of Health describes coliforms as:
"bacteria present in the digestive tracts of animals, including humans, and are found in their wastes."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises individuals who experience illness after consuming bottled water to contact their local health department for assistance. The presence of coliforms in the water prompted this recall by the FDA, although no specific guidance has been provided regarding what to do with previously purchased water affected by the recall.
As a Class III recall, this action is part of the FDA's recall classification system. Such classification indicates that the product is unlikely to cause adverse health consequences but does not meet regulatory standards. Currently, neither the FDA nor Berkeley Springs has released detailed instructions for consumers who have already purchased the affected products.
The CDC notes that there are several different types of E. coli, highlighting the importance of identifying and addressing potential contamination sources promptly. The recall serves as a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety and maintain public health standards.
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