Over Two Million of Coconut Water Cans Recalled Across 29 States

In a significant food safety measure, over 2 million cans of Jarritos Coconut Water have been recalled across 29 states in the United States. The recall, initiated by Tipp Distributors, Inc., operating under the name Novamex, comes amid concerns about potentially compromised hermetic seals on the can lids.

Recall Details

The recall affects 169,438 cases, totaling 2,033,256 cans of Jarritos Coconut Water in 17.5 fl oz cans. All lot codes of the product are included in this recall2. The affected states span a large portion of the country, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin, among others12.

Reason for Recall

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this as a Class II recall, indicating a situation where exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects. The primary concern is that the compromised seals could potentially allow for contamination of the beverages, posing health risks to consumers1.

Health Risks

Food safety specialists warn that a compromised seal can facilitate bacterial growth in canned beverages, potentially resulting in serious foodborne illnesses1. Of particular concern is the risk of botulism, a rare but potentially fatal condition caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria16. Symptoms of botulism can include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, breathing problems, and muscle weakness.

Consumer Action

Consumers who have purchased the affected Jarritos Coconut Water are advised to:

1. Immediately stop consuming the product
2. Dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund

Those experiencing any adverse health effects after consuming the recalled product should seek immediate medical attention1.

Company Response

Tipp Distributors, Inc. has established a customer service hotline at 1-888-668-2639 for inquiries regarding the recall. The company initiated this recall on November 4, 2024, and has been notifying consignees and the public via email. As of now, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall. However, the company and the FDA are taking proactive measures to ensure consumer safety. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety measures and the need for vigilance in monitoring and responding to potential risks in the food supply chain