Experts say it's ultra-hydrating, and the flavor makes it nice too. Here's the beloved national brand that just recalled its electrolyte-filled water.
Over 2 Million Cans of a Popular Beverage Have Been Recalled in 22 States
Published on Dec. 12, 2024
If you’re feeling nostalgic for warmer weather, a refreshing sip of coconut water can transport you to to a feeling of sunnier summer days. However, a new recall should have you double checking labels before you enjoy the island-invoking beverage.
On November 4, the U.S Food and Drug Administration first alerted consumers to a recall affecting 2,033,256 cans, or 169,438 cases, of Jarritos Coconut Water. Tipp Distributors, Inc. (doing business as Novamex), a non-alcoholic beverage company based in El Paso, Texas, is listed as the recalling agency.
The reason for the recall was a manufacturing error which could affect the safety of the packaging. “The hermetic seal on the lid of the cans may be compromised,” the FDA writes.
Hermetic seals on canned products are used to create an airtight barrier which protects the contents within. When a hermetic seal breaks on a beverage can, the liquid inside is left vulnerable to contamination from the external environment. Air, moisture, and bacteria can enter, leading to spoilage and degradation of the product.
It is not clear from the FDA’s report whether any illnesses have been associated with this recall. However, this week on December 10, the health authority updated its safety alert to say that the incident has been listed as a Class II recall. This denotes “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
The affected coconut water was distributed exclusively in the United States, reaching 22 states primarily in the Eastern half of the country: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Though the FDA’s notice doesn’t say where the affected products were sold, 17.5-ounce cans of Jarritos coconut water can be found on the websites for Walmart, Kroger, and other well-known retailers.
Jarritos is best known as a Mexican soda company, distinguished by their bright, refreshing flavors made with natural fruit and cane sugar instead of the high fructose corn syrup often found in soft drinks. The sodas have become a familiar sight in grocery stores and restaurants, recognized for their neon hues.
In recent years, coconut water has become an increasingly popular beverage due to its health benefits, hydrating properties, and electrolyte content—and the fad’s not over. According to Yahoo! Finance, enthusiasm for the product is projected to grow significantly over the coming decade, with the market size set to expand from $5.92 Billion in 2023 to $22.45 Billion by 2033.
The cans of affected coconut water were sold in 17.5-fluid-ounce (fl. oz.) white cans with a textured ridge design around the center of the can. Twelve cans are included in each case. All lot codes of the product are implicated in the recall.
If you believe you have purchased the damaged products, do not consume them. Return them to your place of purchase, or discard them.
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