Coconut Water Recall: Map Shows 2 Million Cans Affected in 29 States

What's New

A map created by Newsweek shows which 29 states are affected by a recall of Jarritos Coconut Water that was issued in early November.

Newsweek has reached out to the distributor, Texas-based Tipp Distributors, which does business under the name Novamex, through an online contact form for comment.

Why It Matters

More than 2 million cans of Jarritos Coconut Water were recalled on November 4 over concerns that "the hermetic seal on the lid of the cans may be compromised," according to the recall notice.

This lid defect could allow the beverage to become contaminated with bacteria. No illnesses have been reported so far, according to Atlanta's WSB-TV, despite the potential risk.

A stock image shows a glass of coconut water. More than 2 million cans of Jarritos Coconut Water have been recalled in 29 states. WS Studio/Getty

What to Know

The 17.5-fluid ounce cans were sold in cartons of 12. All lot codes are affected by the recall. The most recent update from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says 2,033,256 cans and 169,438 cases have been affected by the recall.

The product was sold in 29 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Novamex "is the leading US marketer of Hispanic soft drinks, foods, and authentic Mexican brands imported from Mexico," according to the website Mexgrocer.com. They include Jarritos, Sangria Senorial, Sidral Mundet, Mineragua, Chocolate Ibarra, D'Gari, Camaronazo, Tepachito, Cielito and Granvita.

On December 10, the FDA issued a classification for the recall, making it a Class II.

There are three classification levels for recalls, based on the product's risk. A Class I recall is the most severe, when consumption of the affected product could cause serious health problems or death. A Class II is issued when a product might cause a temporary health problem or a slight threat. Class III is the least severe of the tiers, in which a product is unlikely to cause health problems but still violates FDA labeling or manufacturing laws.

A compromised seal could allow for bacterial growth within the product, prompting FDA scientists to issue a Class II classification.

What People Are Saying

ConsumerLab.com said in a report: Should a hematic seal fail, "this could potentially allow cans to leak or become susceptible to bacterial growth of illness-causing bacteria, such as Clostridium botulinum."

The report went on: "Clostridium botulinum is bacterium that can cause botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. Symptoms include general weakness, muscle weakness, dizziness, double-vision, abdominal tension, constipation, trouble with speaking or swallowing and difficulty in breathing.

"People experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. It can lead to life-threatening paralysis of breathing muscles requiring support with a breathing machine (ventilator) and intensive care," the report said.

What Happens Next

People should not consume the recalled coconut water. Anyone experiencing botulism symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.