Bottled Water Removed Amid Safety Concerns
A popular bottled mineral water product has been urgently removed from sale after regulators raised concerns that some bottles could pose a serious safety risk to consumers. Shoppers have been warned not to drink certain batches after it was discovered that the bottles may contain fragments of glass.
The precautionary action follows an investigation into potential manufacturing defects that could allow glass particles to enter sealed bottles. While no injuries have been officially confirmed, authorities say the risk is significant enough to warrant immediate action.
Customers who have purchased the affected water are being urged to check their bottles carefully and follow official guidance to avoid possible harm.
Why Authorities Acted Quickly
Food safety experts say glass contamination is treated as one of the most serious hazards in food and drink products. Unlike bacterial contamination, which may take time to cause illness, glass can result in immediate injury if swallowed.
Possible risks include cuts to the mouth or throat, internal injuries, choking, or damage to the digestive tract. Because bottled water is often consumed directly, without heating or filtering, any contamination poses an elevated danger.
Regulators emphasize that even microscopic fragments can be dangerous and may not be visible through the bottle.
Products Identified as Unsafe
Officials confirmed that the recall affects 750ml bottles of both still and sparkling mineral water, sold as part of a premium range. Only specific batches are involved, identified by their best-before dates and batch codes printed on the bottle.
The affected products have best-before dates in November and December 2027, and customers are being advised to inspect any bottles purchased recently.
Importantly, the recall does not apply to all bottled water on the market, nor does it affect every batch from the same product line.
What Consumers Should Do Immediately
Anyone who has purchased the affected bottled water is advised to:
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Stop using the product immediately
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Do not drink the water
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Return the bottle to the store for a full refund
Customers do not need a receipt to obtain a refund, and stores have been instructed to process returns without question. Shoppers are also advised to keep the bottle intact and avoid opening it unnecessarily.
For those unsure whether their product is affected, authorities recommend erring on the side of caution and returning it.
Official Warnings Issued
A notice circulated by the Food Standards Agency warned that the affected products “may contain glass which may cause injury and makes them unsafe to drink.”
The agency stressed that recalls are issued only when a product should not be sold because it poses a genuine risk to consumer safety. Retailers are required to display recall notices clearly in stores and online to ensure customers are informed as quickly as possible.
Food safety officials added that contamination incidents of this nature are rare but taken extremely seriously when they occur.
Retailer Confirmed After Investigation
Only after the recall notice was made public did the retailer confirm that the affected bottled water was sold under its own premium-label brand.
The supermarket involved is Waitrose, which confirmed that it has recalled specific batches of its No.1 Deeside still and sparkling mineral waters as a precaution.
The retailer emphasized that the recall applies only to the identified batches and that all other bottled water products remain safe to consume.
Statement From the Retailer
In a statement issued following the recall, a spokesperson said the company was acting out of an abundance of caution and apologized to customers for the disruption.
“We’re recalling some bottles of our premium mineral water as a precaution and are very sorry for the inconvenience,” the spokesperson said. “Customers are asked not to use the bottles and to return them to store or contact us for a full refund.”
The retailer added that customer safety is its highest priority and that it is working closely with suppliers and regulators to determine how the issue occurred.
Batch Details Released
According to the recall notice, the affected bottles are:
Still mineral water (750ml)
Best-before dates in November and December 2027
Specific batch codes include multiple November and December production runs
Sparkling mineral water (750ml)
Best-before date: December 2027
Multiple batch codes identified
Only bottles matching both the size and batch information are included in the recall.
Broader Context: Rise in Product Safety Alerts
The bottled water recall comes amid a broader wave of consumer safety alerts across the UK. In recent weeks, supermarkets and regulators have issued recalls affecting a wide range of products, from food items with undeclared allergens to non-food goods such as toys and household items.
Consumer protection groups say the increase in recalls reflects stronger monitoring and faster reporting rather than declining standards. Modern quality control systems are more likely to detect potential issues early, reducing the risk of widespread harm.
Why Glass Contamination Happens
Industry experts explain that glass contamination can occur during bottling if:
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Bottles crack during transport or filling
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Machinery malfunctions during sealing
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Quality checks fail to detect damaged containers
Even with automated inspection systems, some defects can be difficult to identify before products reach shelves, which is why recalls remain a critical safeguard.
Guidance for Households
Food safety officials recommend that consumers:
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Regularly check recall notices
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Inspect bottled products before use
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Keep recalled items away from children
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Follow official return instructions promptly
They also advise against attempting to strain or reuse contaminated liquids, as this does not eliminate the risk.
Final Word
While no injuries have been reported so far, authorities stress that recalls like this are issued to prevent harm before it occurs. Customers who have purchased the affected bottled water are encouraged to act quickly and return it.
The investigation into how the contamination occurred is ongoing, and further updates may be issued if additional products are identified.
For now, shoppers are reminded that returning the affected bottles is the safest course of action — and that vigilance remains an important part of consumer safety.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
