As we step into warm and sunny summer days, staying well hydrated becomes just as necessary as it is enjoyable. In pursuit of finding a refreshing summer sip, think twice before reaching for this one popular mineral water that is sold at a beloved retailer all over the country. During these warm days, many people reach for sparkling or mineral waters to quench their thirst since fizzy soft drinks have high calorie counts. Whilst mineral water is great alternative to sugary soft drinks when cooling off during the summer, the Coca-Cola company has issued a recall of one of its popular mineral water drinks due to a potential contamination of bacteria.
Costco Wholesale, the warehouse giant, stocks the recalled mineral water and here is what you need to know about this recall so as to ensure the health and safety of you and those around you.
Coca-Cola recalls product stocked at Costco warehouses
Just yesterday on June 2, the warehouse giant Costco posted information detailing a recall of Topo Chico Mineral Water. According to the letter that had been posted, and likely shared directly to Costco members, Coca-Cola is voluntarily issuing a “limited quantity” recall of the Topo Chico Mineral Water that had been sold in packs of eighteen with each bottle measuring 16.09 ounce.
The Topo Chico brand — which is “one of the world’s largest and best sparkling mineral water brands,” according to the official company website — is owned by the Coca-Cola Company. The letter was sent out to Costco members who were found to have purchased the recalled item any time from May 20th to May 29th of this year.
The recall was issued by Cocoa-Cola after a possible contamination of pseudomonas was discovered in the bottled mineral water. Pseudomonas are a type of bacteria that is often found in water sources, soil, or produce.
“Pseudomonas can be found naturally in water sources, including mineral water. The health consequences of consuming mineral water with the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is considered to be very low in healthy individuals with potential minor health consequences if consumed by individuals with weakened immune systems,” as per the letter sent out by Costco.
Additionally, P. aeruginosa causes infections in humans and it can “affect your skin, blood, lungs, GI tract and other parts of your body,” according to Cleveland Clinic, and “it can be a difficult infection to treat due to antibiotic resistance concerns.”
How to identify the recalled mineral water
The recalled Topo Chico Mineral Water was said to have been sold at “select Texas and Louisiana warehouses” between May 20th and May 29th. Since this is a “limited quantity” recall, the affected items can be identified by the following details:
- Topo Chico Mineral Water
- 16.09 oz. or 500 mL glass bottles sold in 18-packs
- Item no.1439351
- Lot Code no.13A2541
The lot codes can be found either on the case of the product or on the neck of the bottle of mineral water.
If you have purchased the Topo Chico Mineral water from a Costco warehouse in Texas or Louisiana during the aforementioned dates, and the details on your item matches the details above, you are encouraged to return the product to the store and a full refund will be issued to you.
“If you purchased Topo Chico Mineral Water with the lot code #13A2541, please return the item to your local Costco for a full refund. Lot codes can be found on the case and the neck of the bottle as shown below. If you have any questions you can call Coca-Cola at 1-800-GET-COKE (1-800-438-2653),” as per the recall notice sent out by Costco Wholesale.
Costco also noted in the letter that, “The safety and quality of the products we offer our consumers is our top priority.”