Coca-Cola has urgently recalled a batch of its popular bottled water in the United States after discovering that it was contaminated with dangerous bacteria that could pose a health risk to some consumers.
This decision came after routine quality tests revealed, on June 2, the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria in some Topo Chico glass bottles. This bacteria is known to cause multiple infections, such as lung and urinary tract infections, and sepsis, and may be resistant to antibiotics.
The recall involved 500ml glass bottles, packaged in 18-packs, bearing batch number #13A2541 on the neck of the bottle.
These packs were sold between May 20 and 29 at Costco stores in Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico.
Coca-Cola indicated that the risk of contamination to the general public is low, but urged consumers not to consume the product at all, and that it could be returned for a refund or disposed of safely.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a particular risk to immunocompromised patients, those with chronic lung disease, and those with open wounds or exposure to contaminated water through ingestion.
The infection can cause health problems ranging from minor infections to fatal sepsis, and is difficult to treat due to its resistance to common antibiotics.
Although this incident involved bacterial contamination, Topo Chico has previously faced severe safety criticism. In 2020, Consumer Reports tests showed it contained the highest levels of PFAS (permanent chemicals) among 47 brands tested.
These compounds are linked to a range of health risks, including cancer, liver damage, hormonal disturbances, and fertility problems.
PFAS levels in Topo Chico's water exceeded the permissible limit according to US and international health standards.
