In a recent statement, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared that Natural Waters of Viti Limited, a bottled water producer, is recalling over 78,000 cases of "Fiji Natural Artesian Water" due to contamination issues. The recall was initiated voluntarily by the company and affects customers nationwide, after the water was initially shipped to the state of Washington.

The FDA's announcement on May 23 revealed that the recall was prompted by the presence of manganese and three bacterial genera in the bottled water. The contaminated water cases contain 24 bottles each, posing a potential health risk if consumed.

Although the exact details regarding the origins of the contamination have not been disclosed, the water was distributed to customers across the country through online retailers, including popular e-commerce platform Amazon.com. Customers who may have purchased the affected water have been urged to return it immediately.

To identify the specific batches affected by the recall, customers are advised to refer to the following codes:

- Case UPC Code: 6 32565 00004 3
- Bottle UPC Code: 6 32565 00001 2

Natural Waters of Viti Limited has expressed remorse over the incident and has expressed its commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of its products. The company has stated that it is actively cooperating with the FDA to address the issue and take appropriate measures.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled water are urged to cease consumption and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. In case of any health concerns or symptoms related to the consumption of the affected water, individuals are advised to seek immediate medical attention.

The FDA continues to investigate the matter and urges consumers to remain vigilant by checking their purchased bottles of Fiji Natural Artesian Water with the mentioned codes. Updates on the recall can be found on the FDA's official website or through the company's social media channels.

Ensuring the safety of food and beverage products remains a top priority for both the FDA and the companies involved, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and stringent quality control processes in the production and distribution of consumable goods.