Contaminated mineral water in Germany necessitates a recall due to harmful bacteria presence
Breaking News: Recall of Mineral Water Brands Due to Bacterial Contamination in Germany
A recall has been initiated for certain batches of Gut&Günstig and Naturalis Mineralwasser in 0.5-liter and 1.5-liter plastic bottles, following the detection of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The recall was announced by Roxane GmbH, the company based in Jessen, Saxony-Anhalt, which is also the source location of the affected products.
The affected bottles can be identified by the minimum shelf-life (best-before date): on 0.5-liter bottles, the date is on the bottle neck, and on 1.5-liter bottles, it is underneath the label. The source (Quelle Clara) and the spring location (Quellort Jessen) are printed on the bottle label.
The recall covers almost all federal states in Germany, with the distribution being nationwide through major supermarket chains such as Edeka, Marktkauf, and Netto Marken-Discount. However, it has been reported that Edeka and Netto have not publicly announced the recall on their websites.
Consumers are advised not to consume the affected water and return the bottles to the place of purchase for a refund, even without a receipt. The bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause infections, especially in immunocompromised persons. Those with weakened immune systems who have consumed the affected water and notice health changes should consult a doctor.
Foodwatch has expressed concerns over the unclear cause of contamination and the severity of the threat. The recall is due to the detection of potentially harmful bacteria in samples of the water. Only bottles with the specific best-before dates listed on the food safety warning portal lebensmittelwarnung.de are potentially contaminated and subject to the recall.
| Brand | Bottle Sizes | Source/Location | Identification | Affected States | |----------------|--------------|-------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------| | Gut&Günstig | 0.5L, 1.5L | Clara source, Jessen spring | Best before date on neck (0.5L), under label (1.5L), label states source and spring | Nearly all German states nationwide | | Naturalis | 0.5L, 1.5L | Clara source, Jessen spring | Same as above | Nearly all German states nationwide |
For the complete list of affected best-before dates, visit the food safety warning portal lebensmittelwarnung.de. It is important to note that although tap water in Germany is safe and of high quality, many Germans primarily or only drink bottled mineral water, which has significant environmental impacts. This recent recall serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with bottled water consumption.
- The bacterium discovered in the recalled mineral water, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is potentially hazardous to health, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems, as it can lead to infections.
- This incident underscores the importance of proper science, health-and-wellness, and nutrition considerations in the production and consumption of bottled mineral water, as this recall is due to the detection of harmful bacteria.
