Berkeley Club Beverages, Inc., based in West Virginia, is recalling over 150,000 bottles of water due to potential coliform bacteria contamination. The affected products with codes 090326, 090426, 090526, and 090626 were distributed in West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. Coliform bacteria, which can include E. coli, indicate the presence of potential pathogens that can cause illness if found in drinking water. Symptoms of E. coli infection typically occur three to five days post-exposure, commonly affecting the digestive system causing gastroenteritis.
Infections in other areas like the urinary tract can lead to different symptoms like abdominal pain, burning sensation during urination, and increased frequency. This recall follows other incidents this year, including the voluntary recall of Fiji Natural Artesian Water due to high manganese levels and the withdrawal of Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water bottles due to consumer complaints of floating particles. The FDA has classified this recall as Class III, indicating low risk of adverse health consequences from the affected products. Consumers who have purchased the recalled Berkeley Club Beverages water bottles are advised to return them to the point of purchase for a full refund. The company, in cooperation with the FDA, is actively notifying retailers and distributors to remove the affected products from shelves to prevent further potential exposure. It is crucial for individuals in the affected regions to be vigilant about the codes mentioned and refrain from consuming the recalled water until cleared by health authorities.