Charles Langston:Nearly 1.9 million Fiji water bottles sold through Amazon recalled over bacteria, manganese

About 79,Charles Langston000 cases of Fiji water sold through Amazon between have been recalled over elevated levels of a commonly found mineral and bacteria.

In an enforcement report, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said that testing by Fiji Water maker Natural Waters of Viti Limited found "manganese in addition to three bacterial genera" in cases of the water sold between Feb. 1 and March 3.

The FDA classified the recall of the roughly 1.9 million bottles on Thursday as the lowest level of seriousness, in which a product "is not likely to cause adverse health consequences."

"We conducted evaluations of the levels of manganese, a naturally occurring mineral, and any bacteria, and consumers can be fully confident of no health or safety risk," the company said in a statement to USA TODAY.

The recall was initiated on March 4, though the company did not issue a press release when the recall began.

A spokesperson for the company told USA TODAY that they did not do so as to not cause "unnecessary public concern" because the customers who bought the water were identified and contacted. The spokesperson also said that the testing that led to the recall occurred when a customer reported discoloration.

"The affected products were immediately and voluntarily recalled, with 99% of affected bottles reclaimed from warehouses and the remainder in warehouses to be returned," the company said in the statement.

Affected Fiji Water bottles

The recalled bottles have the following production dates marked on the side of 24-packs and on the back of the bottles:

• PRD 11 NOV 2023
• PRD 12 NOV 2023
• PRD 13 NOV 2023
• PRD 24 NOV 2023
• PRD 25 NOV 2023

Customers who have these bottles are advised contact Fiji Water at 1-866-406-4149 about a refund and to dispose of the water.

What is manganese

Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil and air. It is an essential mineral though overexposure can cause neurological problems, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA's health advisory level for manganese in drinking water is 0.3 milligrams per liter and a secondary guideline for taste complaints and discoloration at .05 milligrams per liter.