Germany withdraws mineral water due to dangerous bacteria presence
In a recent development, a recall campaign has been launched for certain batches of "Gut&Günstig" and "Naturalis Mineralwasser" sold in Germany. The recall, which was officially initiated on July 9th, is due to the detection of potentially harmful bacteria in samples of water from the Clara spring in Jessen, Saxony-Anhalt.
The affected products include specific best-before dates and certain federal states. For Gut&Günstig Mineralwasser, the recall applies nationwide except for the states of Saarland and Baden-Württemberg. The affected products include:
- Gut&Günstig Stilles Mineralwasser 0.5 L with best-before dates 01.07.2027 and 02.07.2027
- Gut&Günstig Stilles Mineralwasser 1.5 L with best-before dates 30.06.2027, 01.07.2027, and 02.07.2027
- Gut&Günstig Classic Mineralwasser 0.5 L with best-before dates 30.03.2026, 01.04.2026, and 03.04.2026
For Naturalis Mineralwasser, the recall applies in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.
The recall specifically concerns the 0.5 L and 1.5 L PET plastic bottle formats from the Quellort Jessen source and was sold in Edeka, Marktkauf, and Netto Marken-Discount stores.
The bacteria found in the water samples, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can cause infections in vulnerable people, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Consumers, particularly those in this category, are advised not to consume these products and to contact a doctor if they experience any health changes after consumption.
The recall comes after Foodwatch, a food safety watchdog, criticized the lack of clarity regarding the cause of contamination and the severity of the threat. Last year, Foodwatch reported Alma and Nestlé for illegally filtering water contaminated with faeces, PFAS chemicals, and pesticides in France.
It's 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.
Interestingly, Edeka and Netto have not published information about the recall on their websites, according to a report by SZ. Consumers who purchased the affected products with the specified best-before dates can return them to stores for a refund, even without a receipt. The complete list of affected best-before dates can be found at the food safety warning portal lebensmittelwarnung.de.
This recall serves as a reminder for consumers to be vigilant about the products they consume and to follow safety guidelines, especially when it comes to food and drink. It's crucial to stay informed about recalls and to check the best-before dates on products to ensure safety.
The recall of certain batches of "Gut&Günstig" and "Naturalis Mineralwasser" raises concerns about health-and-wellness, specifically the potential impact on consumers with weakened immune systems due to the detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. It's essential for such individuals to avoid consuming these products and seek medical attention if they notice any health changes. On a different note, the ongoing recall underscores the importance of science, particularly in the area of nutrition, as it highlights the need for rigorous testing and quality control measures in the production of bottled water.
