North Country Spring Water, Ltd. of Port Kent, New York, is recalling all of its bottled water products due to a possible contamination with total coliform bacteria and diatoms (algae).

According to the FDA, “the New York State Department of Health has confirmed coliform bacteria and diatoms in some samples of bottled water produced by North Country Spring Water, Ltd.”

These bacteria are naturally present in the environment and may indicate the presence of other, potentially-harmful, bacteria, therefore indicating further contamination.

“The presence of coliform bacteria in bottled water is a violation of the New York State Sanitary Code. The presence of diatoms could mean that untreated or partially treated surface water is contaminating the source water that is bottled and sold.”

North Country Spring Water, Ltd. bottled water products were distributed wholesale in New York, Vermont and New Jersey where the bottled water was sold to consumers through retail stores and direct delivery.

The company initiated the voluntary recall after it was discovered that the bottled water was contaminated with total coliform bacteria and diatoms.

“Subsequent investigation indicates revealed that the problem may have been caused by a potential surface water contamination event at the water source and/or a temporary breakdown in the company’s filtration system.”

All bottled water products with the New York State Health Department certification number 078 (NYSHD Cert. # 078 ) are being recalled because production date codes were omitted from the bottled water containers.

Bottled water products with the following labels and container sizes are associated with NYSHD Cert. #078 (Note: This recall is only associated with those labels that bear the NYSHD Cert. #078 ):

• North Country 100% Natural Spring Water – 8 FL. OZ. 237 ml, 128 FL. OZ. (1         GAL.) 3.78 L
• Hidden Spring Natural Spring Water – 1 GALLON
• Price Chopper Desert Spring Water – 1 GAL (3.78 L), 2.5 GAL (9.46)
• Loyola Springs 100% Natural Spring Water – 128 FL OZ (1 GAL.) 3.78 LITER
• Hannaford Natural Spring Water – 1 GAL. (3.78)
• Famous Famiglia ” New York Water … The Best Pizza.” TM – 1 GALLON
• Western Beef Natural Mountain Spring Water – 2.5 Gallons (9.47 L)

To date, no illnesses have been confirmed. Individuals who have consumed this water and have health concerns, or gastrointestinal symptoms should consult with a doctor immediately.

Consumers who have purchased bottled water products with the NYSHD Cert. #078 are urged to return the bottled water to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (518) 834-9400.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 28th, 2006 at 8:44 am and is filed under Defective Products, Health Concerns, Product Recalls.