Manganese (Mn) and three types of bacteria were found in a bottled water product under the brand of “FIJI”, and the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) called yesterday for an immediate stop to the consumption and supply of the problematic product.
According to the statement, the bureau has recently been informed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the issue. The bureau underlined that it has meanwhile ordered the suspension of the sale of the problematic product.
The statement identified the product as bottled “Natural Artesian Water” by “FIJI”, the packaging specification is 24 bottles of 500 ml each, and the bottle barcode is 6 32565 00001 2, with the batch information as Nov. 11, 2023, Nov. 12, 2023, Nov. 13, 2023, Nov. 24, 2023, and Nov. 25, 2023.
Generally speaking, according to the statement, manganese (Mn) is a naturally occurring metal and an essential trace element for the human body.
Small amounts of Mn are necessary to maintain good health, the statement said, pointing out, however, that the intake of high concentrations of Mn can affect the body’s nervous system.
The bureau said that it will continue to investigate the incident and check similar products in the market. It urged consumers who have purchased bottles from the affected batch to stop drinking the water immediately.
This undated handout photo downloaded from FIJI’s official website last night shows the problematic bottled water product.
