Coca-Cola Recall Update as FDA Issues Risk Warning for Contaminated Drink

Newsweek

18-06-2025

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has assigned its second most serious risk level, Class II, to a recall of Topo Chico mineral water, owned by The Coca-Cola Company, following the identification of potential contamination with Pseudomonas bacteria.
Newsweek reached out to The Coca-Cola Company, which issued the recall, via email for comment outside of regular working hours.
Why It Matters
The FDA categorizes its recalls from Class I through to Class III.
A Class II recall refers to instances when "use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences" or if the chance of "adverse health consequences is remote."
Pseudomonas is a common group of bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the type that most commonly causes infections, and patients in health care settings are the most vulnerable, including those on ventilators, those with catheters and those with open wounds, according to guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Stock image of a person holding a glass of sparkling water.
Stock image of a person holding a glass of sparkling water.
Getty Images
What To Know
The recall began on May 28, 2025, and was initiated by The Coca-Cola Company. The FDA issued the Class II risk classification on June 17, 2025.
The recall was issued due to the potential presence of Pseudomonas in the mineral water. According to the FDA's release, "The firm was notified by their distributor that product placed on hold was released and shipped to customers."
The recall involved 241 cases of Topo Chico Mineral Water Carbonated 16.9 fl oz (500 ml) bottles. The products can be identified by the following details:
UPC: 0 21136 18061 9 (bottle), 0 21136 18062 6 (case)
Lot Numbers: 11 A 2543, 12 A 2543, and 13 A 2541
Manufactured in Mexico by CIA. TOPO CHICO, S. DE R.L. DE C.V., Monterrey
The affected bottles of Topo Chico were shipped to five states: Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas.
Coca-Cola has owned the sparkling mineral water brand Top Chico since 2017.
The beverage giant owns a significant number of brands, including Sprite, Fanta, Smartwater and Powerade.
What People Are Saying
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidance on Pseudomonas aeruginosa reads: "Pseudomonas is a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment, like in soil and water. The most common type causing infections among humans is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa can cause infections in the blood, lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract, or other parts of the body after surgery."
What Happens Next
The recall is ongoing.