FDA Warns Bottled Water May Be Poisonous

The Federal Drug Administration has warned that Jermuk brand bottled drinking water may contain the deadly poison arsenic. The warning is the third time in less than a month that consumers have been alerted about the product.

Jermuk bottled mineral water is imported from natural springs in Armenia and is believed to be distributed only in California.

Tests administered on the water by the FDA found that the concentration of arsenic exceeded the level deemed safe for consumption by over 60 times.

Although the concentration of arsenic found in the bottled mineral water is higher than the EPA safety standard, the level is still thought to be significantly lower than amount of poison needed to cause serious illness.

No illnesses have thus far been reported as result of drinking the tainted water, however, concerned consumers are advised to contact their health care professionals with questions.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring metal that is toxic to humans. It is both tasteless and odorless. Arsenic enters water reserves from environmental deposits or from agricultural and industrial run-off.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, effects of arsenic exposure can include thickening and discoloration of the skin, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; diarrhea; numbness in hands and feet; partial paralysis; and blindness.

Arsenic has also been linked to cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver, and prostate.

According to the statement issued by the FDA the following products have been recalled.

"Jermuk Original Sparkling Natural Mineral Water Fortified With Natural Gas From The Spring". The product is in glass bottles and is additionally labeled as "2006 Jermuk Mayr Gortsaran CJSC" and "Imported by: Zetlian Bakery Inc." The importer and distributor is Zetlian Bakery, Inc., Pico Rivera, CA.

"JERMUK,1951, NATURAL MINERAL WATER, JERMUK MAYR GORTSARAN CJSC." The product is in plastic bottles which are additionally labeled as "Imported by: Zetlian Bakery Inc." The importer and distributor is Zetlian Bakery, Inc., Pico Rivera, CA.

"Jermuk Sodium Calcium Bicarbonate and Sulphate Mineral Water". The product is additionally labeled as "Bottled by ARPI Plant, Republic of Armenia" and "Exclusive US importer and distributor: Importers Direct Wholesale Co., Los Angeles, CA". The product is being recalled by Importers Direct Wholesale Company, Los Angeles, CA.

"Jermuk, Natural Mineral Water Sparkling". The product, recalled on March 7 is additionally labeled as "Bottled by Jermuk Group CJSC" and "Sale Agent Kradjian Importing Co. Inc." in Glendale, CA. The product is being recalled by Kradjian Importing Company, Glendale, CA.

Sources: Federal Drug Administration

Environmental Protection Agency