In an important update for consumers, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has officially terminated the recall issued against Berkeley Club Beverages, Inc. (based in Berkeley Springs, WV) for their bottled water products. The voluntary recall had been initiated in September 2024 after routine quality‑assurance testing detected coliform bacteria in certain batches of the brands “Berkeley Springs Water Purified” and “Berkeley Springs Water Distilled,” distributed primarily in West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia. Curiosity Tap+3Newsweek+3Allrecipes+3 The termination of the recall, announced on November 13 2024, means that the company and FDA believe all reasonable corrective and removal actions have been completed, and the product no longer poses the risk originally identified. Newsweek+1 This article unpacks the full timeline of events, explains why the recall was terminated, outlines health implications, and offers practical guidance for consumers who may have purchased the affected product.
Why the Recall Was Terminated
On November 13, 2024 the FDA announced it had terminated the recall of Berkeley Club Beverages, indicating that the company had “made all reasonable efforts to remove or correct the product in accordance with the recall strategy” and that it was “reasonable to assume that the product subject to the recall has been removed and proper disposition or correction has been made commensurate with the degree of hazard.” Newsweek+1 The decision reflects that the risk was relatively low (Class III) and that Berkeley Club Beverages satisfactorily fulfilled its responsibilities by quarantining, destroying or returning the affected products. The company stated that no illnesses have been reported in association with the recall. Newsweek+1 It is worth noting that termination does not necessarily mean the issue is erased—rather it signifies that the corrective actions are complete and that ongoing oversight will continue, should new concerns emerge.
Health Implications: What Consumers Should Understand
Even though the recall was categorized as Class III (least severe), there remain key health considerations for consumers who may have used or still have the affected products. Coliform bacteria themselves are mostly harmless, but their presence in bottled drinking water raises red flags because they serve as indicator organisms—their detection suggests that the water system could allow entry of other, more dangerous microbes. Real Simple Potential symptoms from serious contamination (e.g., certain E. coli strains) include diarrhea (possibly bloody), stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. People.com+1 While no illnesses have been reported in this case, consumers who believe they have been exposed and are experiencing symptoms should contact their health department. Standard guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) applies: stop using the product, seek medical attention if symptomatic, and save the product and receipt for reference. Allrecipes
What Consumers Should Do Now: Practical Steps
If you purchased bottled water from Berkeley Club Beverages with the product codes listed (090326, 090426, 090526 or 090626) and distributed in West Virginia, Maryland or Virginia, it is wise to take the following actions:
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Check the bottle label for brand names “Berkeley Springs Water Purified” or “Berkeley Springs Water Distilled” and the lot codes listed above. Allrecipes
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If your product is part of the recall, do not consume the water; instead dispose of the bottle safely. While the recall has been terminated, the affected units may still exist in homes or archives.
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If you experience gastrointestinal or other symptoms consistent with contamination (diarrhea, vomiting, etc.), contact your doctor and mention you used a recalled water product.
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Keep the purchase receipt, bottle cap or label, and any related documentation. Although the recall is terminated, these details may be useful should any further investigation or communication occur.
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Monitor for updates from the FDA or the manufacturer. Recall termination means the immediate hazard has been addressed, but ongoing monitoring remains important.
Broader Implications: Lessons for Bottled Water Safety
The Berkeley Club Beverages incident highlights several important aspects of bottled water safety and consumer protection:
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Indicator Organisms Matter: The detection of coliform bacteria reflects system vulnerabilities even when direct pathogens haven’t been identified.
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Recall Termination Doesn’t Mean “Problem Over”: As shown here, termination means corrective steps are complete—but consumers should remain aware and vigilant.
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Small‑Batch Products Still Requires Oversight: Although the number of bottles was relatively small (~1,300), proper notification and removal remain essential to maintaining consumer trust.
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Geographic Distribution Must Be Checked: Because this recall impacted only West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia, consumers elsewhere may not have been exposed—but that makes the geographic filtering important.
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Transparent Communication Matters: Confusion over initial reported numbers (over 150,000 vs 1,304) underscores the importance of accurate, timely data in recalls. Allrecipes+1
Conclusion
The termination of the recall for Berkeley Club Beverages’ bottled water signals that the company and the FDA believe the issue has been resolved. However, for consumers who purchased the affected products, the matter doesn’t fully end at termination. Checking labels, disposing of recalled bottles, and staying alert for symptoms remain prudent steps. The incident serves as a reminder that even routines like drinking bottled water warrant attention to detail, transparency and proactive response when quality issues arise. By staying informed and cautious, consumers protect their health and reinforce accountability within the bottled‑water industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What exactly was recalled by Berkeley Club Beverages?
The company recalled 1‑ and 5‑gallon bottles of “Berkeley Springs Water Purified” and “Berkeley Springs Water Distilled” bearing lot codes 090326, 090426, 090526 and 090626. Distribution was limited to West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia. Allrecipes
2. Why was the recall initiated?
Because routine testing detected coliform bacteria in the bottled water. While coliforms are usually not harmful, they indicate potential contamination risk by more serious pathogens. Real Simple+1
3. What does “recall terminated” mean?
Recalling is terminated when the FDA determines that all reasonable removal or correction actions have been taken and that it is reasonable to assume all affected product has been appropriately handled. It does not necessarily mean the product was harmless—it means the hazard control steps are complete. Newsweek
4. Is it safe now to consume Berkeley Club Beverages water?
The termination applies to the specific recalled lots only. If your bottle matches the implicated codes, you should not consume it. Bottles outside those lots or subsequent production may not have been impacted—but you should still inspect carefully.
5. Were any illnesses reported?
No illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall, according to company statements and regulatory sources. Newsweek
6. How can I check if my bottle is impacted?
Look at the label on the bottle for brand name “Berkeley Springs Water Purified” or “Berkeley Springs Water Distilled” and check for lot codes 090326, 090426, 090526 or 090626. Also verify the place of distribution (West Virginia, Maryland or Virginia).
7. What should I do if I find an affected bottle?
Do not drink it. Dispose of it or return it per manufacturer instructions (if available). Keep records like the bottle label and purchase receipt.
