Public Notice: Urgent Bottled Water Recall

The Saint Christopher and Nevis Bureau of Standards has issued an urgent product recall for five specific batches of bottled water products circulating within the Federation. This recall is a direct response to recent testing that revealed significant public health concerns linked to these products. The Bureau’s authority to enact such a recall stems from Section 23(5) of the Bureau of Standards and Quality Act, Cap. 23.15, which empowers the organization to take swift action to protect consumer safety. The identified non-conformity relates to violations of technical specifications detailed in Sections 5(a) and 5(b) of the Bureau of Standards (Labelling of Water) Regulations, No. 34 of 2023. This underscores the seriousness of the issue and the potential risks associated with continued consumption of the affected products.

The recall specifically targets five distinct bottled water products: BLK WATER (batch DM05/02/202312.03), EVIAN (batch PRD082423), NATIV (batch BBE22/02/27), PURE WATER ALKALINE WATER (batch BBE03.09.25), and all batches of RAIN FOREST BOTTLED WATER. The inclusion of all RAIN FOREST BOTTLED WATER batches is particularly noteworthy and arises from the alarming absence of batch numbers on these products. This lack of traceability significantly amplifies the potential risk and necessitates the comprehensive recall of the entire product line. The specific batch numbers for the other implicated products are crucial for consumers to identify and isolate potentially harmful bottles currently in their possession.

Consumers who have purchased any of the specified bottled water batches are strongly advised to immediately cease consumption and, if possible, return the products to their original point of purchase for appropriate handling. This immediate action is paramount for minimizing potential health risks associated with the identified non-conformities. Retailers and distributors play a crucial role in this recall process and are instructed to immediately remove all affected products from their shelves and halt further distribution. This cooperative effort between consumers, retailers, and distributors is vital for containing the issue and ensuring that potentially contaminated water does not reach further consumers.

The Bureau of Standards emphasizes its commitment to upholding the highest safety and quality standards for all consumer goods within the Federation. The proactive recall of these bottled water products exemplifies the Bureau’s dedication to protecting public health. By swiftly addressing the identified non-conformities and implementing the recall, the Bureau aims to mitigate potential risks and maintain consumer confidence in the safety and quality of products available in the market. The public’s cooperation in heeding the recall instructions is crucial for the success of this initiative.

This recall underscores the critical role of the Bureau of Standards in safeguarding consumer welfare. By rigorously monitoring and enforcing quality standards, the Bureau actively works to prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers. The Bureau’s swift response in this instance demonstrates its commitment to proactive consumer protection and highlights the importance of robust regulatory frameworks in ensuring product safety. The ongoing collaboration between the Bureau, retailers, distributors, and consumers is essential for maintaining a high standard of product safety throughout the Federation.

The Bureau of Standards expresses its gratitude for the public’s understanding and cooperation in this important matter. The collective effort to remove the recalled products from circulation is crucial for minimizing potential health risks. The Bureau remains committed to providing transparent and timely communication regarding product safety concerns, and encourages consumers to stay informed and vigilant about potential recalls. By working together, the Bureau, retailers, distributors, and consumers can create a safer marketplace and ensure the well-being of all citizens within the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis. This ongoing vigilance is crucial for maintaining public confidence in the integrity and safety of consumer goods.