

Nearly 1.9 million water bottles of Fiji Natural Artesian Water were voluntarily recalled by Natural Waters of Viti Limited due to high levels of manganese and bacterial contamination. The FDA has classified this recall as Class III, indicating that the recalled products are not likely to cause adverse health consequences. The affected bottles were distributed nationally through Amazon from February 1 to March 3, and most have been reclaimed or are stored in warehouses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that while manganese is required in small amounts in food and water for health, exposure to higher than usual amounts can lead to health problems5. Manganese is an essential nutrient necessary for various bodily functions, including enzyme function and bone development. However, excessive manganese intake can result in toxicity, potentially affecting the brain and leading to neurological symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, a condition referred to as manganism12. Symptoms of manganism include tremors, difficulty walking, and muscle rigidity4. Moreover, high levels of manganese exposure are particularly concerning because of their potential to impact brain development adversely.

The recall affected over 78,000 cases of Fiji Natural Artesian Water. The FDA announced the recall on May 23.