Mountain Pure Bottled Water Recall Issued in Clinton, Arkansas

About 23,000 bottles of Mountain Pure purified water that were distributed as part of disaster relief efforts in Clinton, Arkansas are being recalled due to mold contamination. 

A Mountain Pure bottled water recall was announced by the FDA on May 4 after Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) officials tested samples and found biological contamination.

The tainted bottled water sample was headed to the city of Clinton, as part of disaster response efforts in the wake of flooding that disabled the city’s drinking water supply.

The mold has not been identified and there have been no reports of illnesses associated with the bottled water recall. However, state officials estimate that about 90% of the recalled water bottles are already in the hands of the public.

The recall affects all Mountain Pure 16.9 fl oz. (506 ml) bottles of water. The plastic bottles will have a military-style time code of 2200 to 0400 etched into them, and also have an expiration date code that says Best By 2-27-2013 MPWA or Best By 2-28-2013 MPWA. The recall is limited to about 16 pallets of Mountain Pure water, with each pallet holding 60 cases and each case carrying 24 bottles.

Arkansas officials say it may take several days to identify the source of the water contamination. In the meantime, state officials have called on residents to return the bottles for a full refund or discard them. State officials believe that dust got into bottles during the purification process.

State officials said that the contaminated water is unlikely to make a healthy person sick, but could pose a risk for individuals with a weaker immune system, such as the elderly, young children and those suffering from other ailments.

“People with a weakened immune system might be at higher risk,” said Dr. William L. Mason, branch chief of ADH’s Preparedness and Emergency Response. “Anyone who thinks they may have become ill after drinking this water should consult a physician.”

Following flooding in Arkansas, customers of the Clinton Water Department have been instructed to boil their water for a least a minute before drinking it.