Parker Waichman LLP

FDA to recall more bottled water in bromate scare

Several Bottled Water Contain Cancer-Causing Bromate. America’s food safety watchdog is expected to announce the recall of several bottled water drinks, thought to contain cancer-causing bromate above the legal limit in the US, BeverageDaily.com has learned. The recall is expected to involve a range of private label bottled waters taken from the Springbrook Springs source in […]

bottled water

Several Bottled Water Contain Cancer-Causing Bromate. America’s food safety watchdog is expected to announce the recall of several bottled water drinks, thought to contain cancer-causing bromate above the legal limit in the US, BeverageDaily.com has learned.

The recall is expected to involve a range of private label bottled waters taken from the Springbrook Springs source in Concord, New York, including water sold by the TopCo co-operative under its Food Club brand.

Long-term exposure to bromate may increase consumers’ risk of cancer, according to the US government’s Environmental Protection Agency.

The news comes only a couple of weeks after upmarket US retailer Wegmans recalled its Food You Feel Good About Spring Water because of bromate.

Tests Confirmed Drinks Contained Bromate

Company tests confirmed some drinks contained bromate up to two-and-a-half times the level considered safe by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Wegmans, which also uses the Springbrook Springs source, was alerted to the problem with its water by an independent lab, which claimed it found bromate levels in the drink at 27 and 28 parts per billion (ppb). The FDA maximum is 10ppb.

That same lab said it found a similar problem with some other bottled waters, including TopCo’s Food Club, using the same source.

FDA scientists have been investigating the problem, and several retailers are thought to be involved.

Wegmans had warned rivals to be on their guard after its own recall. “It does not affect other brands sold at Wegmans, but it does affect other brands produced by the same supplier for other retailers,” the group said.

The FDA has so far declined to comment on the issue, but an announcement is expected soon. The companies involved were also unable to comment at the time of publishing.

There is thought to be no immediate risk to consumers’ health.

The issue throws up yet another problem for drinks makers after revelations about benzene in soft drinks earlier this year.

The man behind the independent lab tests for bromate in water was lawyer Ross Getman, the same man who first alerted the FDA to the continuing presence of benzene in some soft drinks.

He praised Wegmans for its speedy response over bromate. “Wegmans has demonstrated how a responsible corporation acts in connection with consumer health.”

Bromate is formed in water when ozone and bromide ions react together. The chances of bromate in water are higher when ozone is used as a disinfectant for mineral water, and especially in the presence of calcium chloride, which is a bromide derivative.

Guidelines on how to avoid bromate in water have been published by the International Ozone Association.

Need Legal Help Regarding Bottled Water?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I am very grateful for Parker Waichman's work and thank you July and Marián for helping me in this process
Johan Aragones
2 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value My husband and I wants to thank Christina Morace for all the good work she has done for us. I will recommend this law firm to anyone that wants results with their claims. Thank you Parker Waichman LLP.
Christine Thorpe
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism I was pleased with how they handled my case from beginning to end. They were also very good with providing information and returning calls.
Daisy Figueroa
2 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038