RECALL ALERT: Adding to Americans’ growing concerns about consumer safety, Coca-Cola has recalled one of its popular products due to bacterial contamination risks.
The recall affects bottled water, raising questions about overall quality control in the food supply chain.
The company has announced a voluntary recall of certain 16.9-ounce glass bottles of Topo Chico Mineral Water due to potential contamination with the pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.
The recall specifically targets products with lot numbers 11A2543, 12A2543, or 13A2541.
The product was distributed to about 40 retail locations across Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas.
Costco notified its members about the recall, which primarily affects 18-pack cases sold in Louisiana and Texas between May 20 and May 29.
Select Sam’s Club locations also sold potentially contaminated products, highlighting how widespread distribution of potentially harmful products can quickly reach American families across multiple states.
While Coca-Cola has stated the bacteria poses a “very low” health risk to the general public, the reality is more concerning for vulnerable Americans.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly found in water sources and can lead to infections in people with weakened immune systems.
Even more alarming, these infections can affect various body parts and often resist antibiotics, making treatment difficult.
A Coca-Cola spokesperson released a statement:
“The quality and safety of our products is our top priority. Due to a potential contamination of pseudomonas we have voluntarily recalled a limited quantity of Topo Chico Mineral Water 16.9 ounce glass bottle products. All impacted product has been removed from store shelves at the approximate 40 retail locations across Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas, and no illnesses have been reported.”
Despite reassurances from Coca-Cola, this recall highlights ongoing concerns about food and beverage safety in America.
While no illnesses have been reported yet, consumers who purchased the affected products are advised to return them for a full refund rather than risk consumption.
The company has removed all contaminated products from store shelves and established a refund process through their customer service line.
Since acquiring Topo Chico for $220 million in 2017, Coca-Cola has made the Mexican mineral water brand increasingly popular among Americans looking for alternatives to sugary sodas.
Concerned consumers who purchased these products should check for the specific lot codes and contact Coca-Cola for refund information.
Those who have already consumed the product and experience any unusual symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
