How far away is death? Natural spring water

I had no idea that natural spring water could have a negative component. Did you?

Blue Triton, of Zephyrhills, FL, is recalling more than 300,000 cases of their 1964 Zephyrhills 100% Natural Spring Water because of bromate in the finished product that exceeds the MCL of 10ppb.

The allowable level established by FDA for bromate in bottled water is 0.010 milligram per liter. 

According to the New York State Department of Health, bromate is formed when ozone used to disinfect drinking water reacts with naturally occurring bromide found in source water. Exposure to large amounts of bromate for a long period of time caused kidney effects in laboratory animals. Long-term exposure to high levels of bromate has also caused cancer in rats. Whether bromate can cause cancer in people is not known.

Some people may be at greater risk for developing health effects from bromate exposure or have concerns for their pregnancy or nursing infant. Because bromate can cause health effects in kidneys, it is possible that those with pre-existing kidney conditions could be at greater risk. The information on the effects of bromate on reproductive health is limited but does not indicate concern at levels near the drinking water standard.

According to the details posted online by the FDA, the recall was initiated on July 14, 2023, and is ongoing. 

The recalled products were distributed domestically in the U.S.

Recalled products:

1964 Zephyrhills 100% Natural Spring Water 

• 16.9 FL Oz (500 mL)
• Product Quantity: 304,470 cases total: 24pk Zephyrhills Spring Water – 190,662 cases and 40pk Zephyrhills Spring Water – 113,808 cases
• Code Information: Batch Code Expiry Date 3177WF23E6 12/31/2024; 3177WF23E1 12/31/2024; 3180WF23E1 12/31/2024; 3181WF23E6 12/31/2024; 3181WF23E1 12/31/2024; 3182WF23E6 1/31/2025; 3182WF23E1 1/31/2025; 3184wf23e2 1/31/2025; 3184WF23E6 1/31/2025; 3185wf23e1 1/31/2025; 3185WF23E2 1/31/2025; 3185WF23E6 1/31/2025; 3185WF23E7 1/31/2025; 3186WF23E1 1/31/2025; 3186WF23E6 1/31/2025; 3187WF23E1 1/31/2025; 3187WF23E6 1/31/2025; 3188WF23E1 1/31/2025; 3188WF23E6 1/31/2025; 3189WF23E1 1/31/2025; 3189WF23E6 1/31/2025; 3189WF23E7 1/31/2025; 3190WF23E1 1/31/2025; 3190WF23E7 1/31/2025 

Anyone who purchased the recalled product should immediately dispose of it and not consume it.

Content and photo source/credit: Food Safety News, “1964 Zephyrhills 100% Natural Spring Water recalled over excess Bromate,” from the News Desk of Food Safety News, August 22, 2023.